Congo Gulch
The cabin opens for the 2026 season on May 21. Reservations through Recreation.gov. Water and indoor plumbing operate June through September; outside that window, guests must bring all water and use the outhouse. Winter access may require snowmobile; confirm road conditions with the North Fork John Day Ranger District before traveling October through May.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 3:24PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 1:46PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 1:14PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Air Quality Advisory, stagnant air conditions will trap smoke and other air pollutants near the ground where people breathe. Check with your local health or air agency for current restrictions on woodstove use. There are often exceptions for those who use wood exclusively to heat their homes and those with limited income. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: * Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. * People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems. * Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
About
Congo Gulch cabin offers a unique lodging experience at the historic Fremont Powerhouse, a gold mining hub constructed in 1908. The powerhouse generated electricity using water piped eight miles from Olive Lake through a wood and steel pipeline. This cabin was built in the 1930s to shelter workers who monitored the infrastructure. Today it serves as a recreation rental preserving the character of that era. The two-story cabin sleeps 12 with a variety of beds: a queen, three twins, and two full-over-queen bunks spread across three bedrooms. The parlor contains two futons and dining furniture. A fully equipped kitchen includes a refrigerator, electric stove/oven, microwave, coffee pot, toaster, and cookware. Electric lights and an oil heating stove provide comfort year-round. From June through September, guests enjoy running hot water, a flush toilet, and a shower/tub. October through May, an outhouse serves as the restroom and guests must bring all water. Outside, a brick fireplace and picnic table sit beside a small pond shaded by Douglas-fir. The grassy yard accommodates tent camping and connects to three neighboring cabins: Caretaker's Cabin, Hilltop Hideaway, and Miner's Retreat. Nearby Olive Lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming. The North Fork John Day Wilderness provides hiking, and the ghost town of Granite sits six miles east with fuel and groceries.
Directions
From Baker City: Travel west on Highway 7 for 20 miles to the junction with FSR 73. Proceed north through Sumpter and 17 miles to Granite. From Granite, go west on County Road 24 for approximately 6 miles. Where the main road veers left along the creek bed, turn right (uphill) on FSR 10 and follow signs to Fremont Powerhouse. This is the only winter-accessible route. From Pendleton: Travel south on Highway 395 for 50 miles to the Ukiah exit. Turn left on Highway 244 to Ukiah. Turn right just before the city park onto FSR 52 and travel 50 miles to Granite. This route is impassable October through June.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $80 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 427-3231 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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