The Sumpter Gold Dredge (specifically Sumpter No. 3) is a massive, floating Yuba-style placer mining machine that now serves as the centerpiece of the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area in Eastern Oregon. Operating almost continuously from 1935 to 1954, this 1,250-ton behemoth extracted gold by scooping up earth with 72 one-ton buckets, processing the material inside its 125-foot hull, and recovering gold flakes before expelling the waste. Although the dredge recovered approximately $4.5 million in gold, the company ultimately ceased operations in 1954 $100,000 in debt. Its legacy is visible for miles in the distinctive stacks of stone known as tailings, which spread across the Sumpter Valley, dramatically transforming the natural meadows along the Powder River. Preserved today as a monument to area mining and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, the dredge offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial methods and environmental impacts of gold extraction.
Situated on the Yankee Fork River, the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge is between the historic mining towns of Custer and Bonanza. It's recognized as the largest self-powered dredge in Idaho and stands as a well-preserved testament to early 20th-century gold mining technology. Constructed in 1940 by the Bucyrus-Erie Company for the Snake River Mining Company, the dredge operated until 1952. Measuring 112 feet long, 54 feet wide, and 64 feet high, with a weight of 988 tons, the dredge housed seventy-one 8-cubic-foot buckets, each weighing over a ton. Its operation relied on two 350 HP Ingersoll-Rand diesel engines. The dredge extracted gold from the riverbed using a continuous digging and separation process. The buckets on the rotating chain dug up the gold-bearing gravel, which was washed and screened onboard. A complex system of riffles and mercury traps aided in separating the gold. The Yankee Fork Gold Dredge Association, a volunteer-run organization, plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing the dredge. Visitors can explore the dredge, learn about its history, and view a picture gallery and artifacts.
Joseph Branch Railriders offers pedal-powered rail bike adventures, considered one of America's most unique and memorable must-do experiences, taking visitors through Oregon’s majestic Wallowa Mountains. Riders cycle the scenery along historic rail lines, enjoying scenic journeys and connecting with nature in a special way in Northeast Oregon. The railriders operate from two unforgettable Oregon locations: Minam, where the journey twists through a canyon alongside the scenic tumbling Wallowa River with towering rock cliffs above, and Joseph, where riders enjoy a peaceful pedal through the valley at the base of the majestic Wallowa Mountains, taking in the views and fresh mountain air. These journeys utilize the historic Joseph Branch Railroad, which is a 63-mile line linking Elgin to Joseph and tracing the picturesque Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers.
Embark on a journey through the dramatic landscape of northeast Oregon aboard the Eagle Cap Excursion Train. Operating from the Elgin Depot, this train offers scenic trips beside the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers, following a section of the historic Joseph Branch rail line. As you ride, you'll journey back in time, discovering untamed territory and enjoying the sights and sounds while the train travels through rugged cliffs and timbered ridges. Whether you're a rail enthusiast, a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun and relaxing way to experience the region's spectacular beauty, a trip on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train is sure to please.
The Wallowa Lake Tramway, located near Joseph in Eastern Oregon within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, is highlighted as the steepest four-person aerial gondola in the U.S. (or North America). This recreational tramway takes passengers on a spectacular 15-minute ride up a 3700-foot ascent to the summit of Mount Howard, reaching an elevation of over 8,100 feet. From the top, visitors can experience awe-inspiring panoramic views that may include four states, the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and the Wallowa Valley, and they can also enjoy approximately two miles of hiking trails and dine at the Summit Grill, known as the Northwest’s highest restaurant. The tramway typically operates from May to September, with occasional operations during winter for special occasions.
The local pond was playing hard to get with the Trout on this particular morning. While I was able to catch three trout, three others managed to spit the hook before I could get them to shore. At least I had an amazing sunrise to watch while doing something I love.
I was all alone on this fishing trip, and if my struggles were the standard, I can understand why. It took over an hour to hook into my first fish. Another 20 minutes for the second, and over an hour and a half for the third. However, by the end, I found the combo that proved most successful. With a real red worm threaded onto a trout magnet jighead and a slow retrieve, I caught three more fish in the time it took me to catch the first.
I headed to the ice fishing pond that I've visited in past episodes. It's too early for ice, but since it has been recently stocked, I thought I'd see how the fishing is before the frigid temps arrive. The amount of vegetation was unfortunate, and made finding a spot a little more difficult, especially when sharing the dock with others. We all made it work, and everyone caught some fish. My favorite catch, though, was the last one. There is something truly special when you get to see fishing through the eyes of children. "Be free, buddy."
Back at the neighborhood stocked pond. Shout-out to everyone who has struggled to get that hookset. I was struggling this trip. The first three hookset attempts failed, and it was discouraging. It took several hits before I was able to secure the hookset and start catching some great trout. I still missed some hooksets, but I was able to work through it enough to finally catch some good fish.
With the falling leaves comes the restocking of the rainbow trout in our local ponds and waterways. I was thrilled to see that it finally happened after the first scheduled stocking came and went without any trout being deployed to our ponds. It was wonderful to finally catch some trout again.
