A Golden History: Sumpter Valley Dredge

Sumpter Valley Dredge. Welcome to the historic world of Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area! Here you will find one of the largest gold dredges in the United States.

There are many ways to learn about the dredge and the people who worked it, from tours to trails to train rides. Feel free to explore! Check out the visitor center for more information about the dredge and park activities. Visit the depot for a schedule of train rides and events.

All that glitters is not gold. The shiny flecks you see on the river bottom are mica that has been washed down from the spring floods. Real gold is harder to find. Learn more about gold panning in the visitor center.

Where did all the piles of rock come from? The dredge "stacker" left these rocks, called tailings, in its wake as it moved through the valley. Learn more by taking a tour or reading the interpretive panels along the dredge loop trail. . This historical marker was erected by Oregon State Parks. It is in Sumpter in Baker County Oregon