-Oregon State Parks: Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area-

The Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge is an important historic and cultural resource that links Oregon's pioneering past with settlement and development.

It is one of the largest and most accessible gold dredges still remaining in the U.S. today. Almost a half century after the last bucket load was lifted, the dredge stands silent. It whispers the hope, sweat, and dreams of the men who worked on it. It is hard for people today to imagine a boat floating, chewing, and moving through the topsoil in search of gold. Working out from the river the dredge always digs in a sideways motion so it could develop a pond big enough to maneuver in. The back of the boat centered on a pivot called a spud while the bow and stern lines were anchored firmly in the tailings. The dredge then could step ahead when a crew member tightened the cables.

With the bucket line resting on the bank, the men could use the boat like a caterpillar for a new bite at the land. These bites added up to approximately 280,000 cubic yards of Sumpter Valley soil each month. The bucket line and pumps were powered by a 12-mile electric line from the Fremont Power House and 3,000 gallons of water washed the soil through jigs and sluice boxes used to sift out the gold. The dredge was a squealing, grinding, formidable machine that permeated the valley with nonstop noise 24 hours a day. Christmas and the Fourth of July were the only holidays observed.

You can take a step back in time when visiting Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area. Feel the rough lumber and cast iron under your fingertips as you experience the first floor of the historic gold dredge. Park staff can provide your school group with a guided tour.

To schedule your group tour please call the OPRD Park Ranger at (541) 894-2486 or (541) 523-2499 ext. 8, or mail your inquiries to:

P.O. Box 97

Sumpter, OR 97877

For additional information on the Dredge visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation website.