White River Falls

White River Falls State Park is an unexpected hidden gem, literally an oasis in the desert. A very steep but short climb leads down to the White River, where the mysterious ruins of a hydroelectric plant have been rusting away since 1960.  Visitors can actually climb inside and take a look around.  It was a perfect spot for us to stop and have a picnic meal.  It was a hot day and others were there enjoying the ice cold water, but the park was far from crowded. If you're passing through, don't miss it!

This is what the landscape looks like for many miles around.

The hydroelectric plant.

We found this beautiful Western gopher snake.

Gopher snake.  Photo by Jasper.

A ladder has been set up to climb into the ruins.

Penstemon.

Columbia goldenweed.

Sulphur-flower buckwheat.

The sunset that evening on the way back to Portland.