The Lewis River Hydroelectric Projects - PacifiCorp

Saddle Dam Park—Local Welcome Sign
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Saddle Dam
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Saddle Dam Park
Welcome to Saddle Dam Park. This facility is owned and operated by the
power company PacifiCorp, which provides public recreation
opportunities along the reservoirs of the Lewis River.
Saddle Dam is an auxiliary dam that helps to form Yale Reservoir, which
stretches some 10.5 miles northward through the scenic Lewis River
Valley. The park features a boat launch, swimming access, picnic sites,
restroom and shower facilities.
Sidebar:
At the far end of the meadows below Saddle Dam is a large chestnut tree.
In front of the tree is a carefully-tended sign that reads “Frasier
Homestead chestnut planted by Charles in 1914.” The grand old tree, the
sign, and the surrounding meadows are reminders of a time when the
Lewis River was still a rough-and-tumble mountain torrent, and when
pioneers worked to build homes and communities along its banks.
Saddle Dam lies across lands originally homesteaded by John Frasier and
his family in the 1880s. The Frasiers arrived at this site in 1888, paddling
and poling up the Lewis in dugout canoes in search of land to settle. They
liked the look of this area, with its fairly level land and easy access to
good fishing at the “Slide” (a site now covered by Yale Dam). They soon
established a successful cattle ranch, supplying meat to logging camps in
the surrounding mountains.
Eventually, three generations of Frasiers lived and farmed here. They
grew cash crops of corn and potatoes, boarded loggers, and even dabbled
in gold mining. Some worked on logging crews.
In the early 1950s, the farm was sold to Pacific Power for the construction
of Yale Dam and Saddle Dam. Today, elk graze the old Frasier family
fields just below the dam, and remnant trees of the fruit orchard still feed
elk, deer, and birds.
Park Rules:
Day Use Park Regulations:
Summer Hours (April 1-September 30): 5 am-9 pm
Saddle Dam Park is closed to the public in winter
PacifiCorp reserves the right to change the hours without notice.
Fees: Visitors entering day use sites with vehicles must pay applicable
fees. Pass holders please check in with booth attendant (if staffed). Please
display passes in car windows at all times. Fees are non-transferable.
Vehicles/parking:
Appendix 1: panel profiles Lewis River Draft I&E Plan page 27