Olive Lake

Hello Friends,

I recently took a break from the studio and drove up to Olive Lake. The lake is located in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon. It is located 12 miles west of the old mining town of Granite. Olive Lake, originally a small natural lake in the headwaters of the North Fork of the John Day River, was enlarged early in the century by the construction of a 35-foot high dam on the Lake Creek outlet.

A pipeline diverts outflow to the Fremont Powerhouse, an old power plant which was built during the gold mining days in the Blue Mountains.

A two mile hiking trail around the lake provides beautiful scenic vistas and you can access the wilderness trails from here.

The Aspens and Tamarack Trees were spectacular! The yellow just was like the color of the sun on a hot August day. The lake is at 6000 feet elevation and the forest service road is well maintained. When you drive up the long road you catch glimpses of the wooden water pipe that actually provided the City of Baker with their water supply at one time. Deer, Osprey, Elk, and a variety of small birds were everywhere! The next time you want to find a "new" adventure visit this small jewel of Oregon!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Your Artist Friend

Jennifer