Congo Gulch

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.