White house on flat green grass between a conifer covered hill and a small pond with a dock.
CONGO GULCH
CONGO GULCH
CONGO GULCH

Featured amenities

Parking Parking

About Congo Gulch

Congo Gulch is an old Forest Service cabin that allows guests to relax in the outdoors and step back in time to when the cabin was used during bygone gold mining days. It is part of the Fremont Powerhouse complex, a hub for mining built in the early 1900s. As one of four cabins located at the site, the cabin offers flexibility for large groups. Guests can rent all cabins and also pitch tents in the grassy yard. The surrounding valleys once teemed with mining activity, primarily gold. The Fremont Powerhouse was built in 1908 as an economical method for mining. Two dams were constructed at Olive Lake, and water from the lake was piped through an 8-mile wood and steel pipeline to the powerhouse to generate electricity. Homes were constructed to shelter workers who monitored the pipeline. Today, these same shelters are available as recreational rentals. Congo Gulch is named for the small creek that runs beside the property. Winter access may require skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
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Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

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Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
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001, Loop: CONGO GULCH

🏠 Cabin
  • 12 guests
  • Pet Friendly

Site Details

Up to 12 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (24)

What Guests Are Saying

Congo Gulch offers a fantastic blend of modern amenities like electricity and running water, while maintaining a rustic, secluded atmosphere. Guests appreciate the informative caretaker and the nearby Olive Lake, which features a scenic 3-mile hike. Although there are some issues with mice and squirrels in the attic, overall, visitors have consistently enjoyed their stay and found the site well-stocked and engaging.

Review Summary

4.1
24 reviews
5
50.0%
12
4
25.0%
6
3
8.3%
2
2
16.7%
4
1
0.0%
0

Joyce H

Verified

September 18, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: CONGO GULCH

4

This is a great site. Electricity, running water, fully functional indoor bathroom, and big refridge/freezer. But still rustic and with a sense of solitude. Just one caveat: mice and squirrels in the attic are active especially at night.

Joyce H

Verified

September 18, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: CONGO GULCH

4

This is a great site. Electricity, running water, fully functional indoor bathroom, and big refridge/freezer. But still rustic and with a sense of solitude. Just one caveat: mice and squirrels in the attic are active especially at night.

Andrea C

Verified

June 1, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: CONGO GULCH

5

It was a great cabin fully stocked kitchen. There were a lot of people who stopped by for the tours but it was a holiday weekend. There was a broom/mop but next time I’d bring more cleaning supplies (toilet cleaner/multipurpose spray) as I only brought Clorox wipes. It worked but the place does need a good clean! Most of the lamps didn’t work (I think they need new lightbulbs) but all the overhead lights worked great!

Gerald N

Verified

June 11, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: CONGO GULCH

5

Drive to Olive Lake. Hike all the way around it. A beautiful way to spend the afternoon.

Location & Directions for Congo Gulch

P.O. Box 158, Ukiah, OR 97880 United States

Elevation: 1,509 ft

Getting There

From Pendleton, Oregon: Travel south on Highway 395 for 50 mi to the Ukiah exit. Turn left on Highway 244 to Ukiah. Turn right (south) just before the city park; this road becomes Forest Service Road (FSR) 52 at the Forest boundary. Travel 50 mi t...

Nearest town

Ukiah, OR - 54 mi

About over 1 hr (77 min) to downtown

Highway access

Congo Gulch is accessible via Highway 395, approximately 50 miles to the north, and Highway 7, approximately 20 miles to the east. Highway 244 provides access to the campground from Highway 395.

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Last updated: October 21, 2026

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Explore Ukiah, OR

Population: 177

Elevation: 3,353 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service