Historic Fish Lake, McKenzie River

Driving along Route 126 west of Sisters, OR, we decided to stop at the Historic Fish Lake Site.  This location has been used by various peoples for many years and has historical records going back to the mid-1800s.

Prior to that time, native peoples arrived there for spring/summer hunting, fishing and gathering. Arrival of Europeans moving westward created a need for transportation over the Cascade Mountains in Oregon.  Wagon roads were established and maintained by enterprisers such as the Williamette Valley and Cascade Wagon Road Company.

Since the company had built the road at some expense, it was a toll road – with gates at certain points to collect the tolls. Shown here is a replica of a toll gate that serves as an entrance to the historical site.  

And, there are short sections of the old wagon/rider toll road within the site.

The wagon road company established a resting point for their travellers at Fish Lake, with a roadhouse in 1867.  The lake, which often became more of a meadow during the summer, provided space for wagon trains to stop and replenish. Records state that about 100 wagons would pass through this site during the warmer months.

Road to hotel sites and cemetery

Records also show that, at one time, a hotel (or maybe two) was added for the travelers, and possibly other buildings. Little remains visible of the activities from the 1800s, except a small pioneer cemetery.

By the 1900s a shift occurred in the property usage, initiated by the 1891 Forest Reserve Act setting aside public lands as Forest Reserves.  In 1905 the Cascade National Park was established and Fish Lake was used as a Ranger Outpost.

Fish Lake soon became a Remount Depot.  The Depot provided a location for firefighters and wilderness guides to rest, along with their pack animals. Then staff could stock up on needed supplies before leaving with a “train” of pack animals. The last packer and his team departed this Depot in 2005. 

In 1921 the Depot also became the fire dispatching HQ for the Santiam National Forest.  Several buildings from the early 1900's can be viewed (from the outside only)

Dispatcher's Cabin with Spring House to left

Fire Hose House

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked at the Depot in 1934, constructing several buildings, some of which appeared to be in use today.

Shed, Oil House and Tack Room/Blacksmith Shop built by CCC

Barn built by CCC

 Some of the buildings are still being used by Forest Service personnel.  The current “bunkhouse” (now I think an office) was constructed in the 1960s to replace older staff housing and outbuildings that are gone.

And the former summer residence for the Forest Supervisor - with a great lake view from the front porch.

But, whatever you do – don’t miss the lake. 

It was truly beautiful, and it still used recreationally today.

 

We discovered that visitors are free to roam around the lake and see many of the historical buildings.  A brochure with map and other educational signage around the site provides an excellent overview of the historical activities that have occurred here.  It’s well worth a visit (for many reasons) and we enjoyed taking a walk down memory lane…