Discover the rich history of Fish Lake on the historic Santiam Wagon Road

Help Protect this Historic Treasure

Since the mid-1800s thousands of travelers including Indian tribes and wagon trains, along with their livestock, pack animals and freight have passed through the site.

The preservation and restoration of this historic site is an ongoing effort by the Friends of Fish Lake in partnership with the McKenzie River Ranger District and dedicated volunteers.

Friends of Fish Lake

Friends of Fish Lake, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is committed to preserving the historic Fish Lake area within the Willamette National Forest, sharing its rich natural and cultural history, fostering public access to its historic grounds, and advancing education, dedicated to backcountry skills and Central Cascades ecology.

Video produced by Spring Fed Media

 

Book chronicles the legacy of Fish Lake in the High Cascades

Explore the rich history of the Fish Lake Historic Site with Fish Lake in the High Cascades: A Historic Legacy.

This 200-page book by David Turner and Rolf Anderson features twelve chapters of captivating stories, 175 vivid photos, and 22 maps, tracing the site’s journey from Native American trails to its role in the Santiam Wagon Road and the Forest Service.

This beautifully crafted work celebrates Fish Lake’s enduring legacy. 

Connect and support

  • Black and white photo of a man in casual clothing standing next to a wooden sign that reads 'FISH LAKE RANGER STATION WILDLAND 7 3/4 C NATIONAL FOREST'.

    History

    Learn about the History of Fish Lake Remount Depot.

    Learn more
  • A rustic log cabin with a red shingle roof, surrounded by a forest of tall evergreen trees.

    Buildings

    Learn about the historic buildings of Fish Lake.

    Learn more
  • Group of people gathered in a rustic outdoor pavilion with wooden beams, sitting at picnic tables, listening to a woman speaking to the group.

    Membership

    Become a Member of the "Friends of Fish Lake"

    Learn more