Olive Lake Campground (OR)

Show on map (541) 427-3231 r6_umatilla_public_inquiries@usda.gov

P.O. Box 158
Ukiah, OR 97880

Wake and Personal Watercraft Prohibition on Olive Lake

Wake and personal watercraft prohibition for Olive Lake. This Forest Order is effective August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2028.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

Umatilla National Forest

FOREST ORDER NO. 06-14-05-25-00

Wake and Personal Watercraft on Olive Lake

Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.50(a) and (b), the following prohibitions are established within the North Fork John Day Ranger District on the Umatilla National Forest within the area described below in Exhibit A. This order supersedes Forest Order No. 2009-0614-04 and becomes effective on August 26, 2025, and will remain in effect until August 26, 2028, unless rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITIONS

Operating a motorboat or other vessel on Olive Lake at or above a speed that causes a wake. 36 CFR 216.58(n)
Operating a personal watercraft (PWC) on Olive Lake. 36 CFR 261.58(n)
water Skiing on Olive Lake. 36 CFR 261.58(o).

EXHIBIT A:

For the purposes of this order the Olive Lkae referred to is located on the Umatilla National Forest in the North Fork John Day Ranger District. Located within T. 9 S., R. 34 E., Sections 14, 15, and 22.

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 262.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this order.
Any Federal, State, or local Officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Forest Service employees performing official duties.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 26, Subpart A.

Violation of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. (16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

Executed in Pendleton, Oregon this 26 day of August 2025.

Overview

Nestled on the edge of a lake, high in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, this popular campground is only 8 miles west of the historic Fremont Powerhouse and 12 miles west of the old mining town of Granite. The campground features 28 campsites and 7 accessible toilet facilities. Other features include a 2-mile hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails, a boat ramp and 2 docks.

Besides beautiful scenery, the lake offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing--particularly a nesting pair of osprey that return annually. Activities in this area include fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, and photography. Within 20 miles are several historic sites.

Recreation

A 2-mile hiking trail encircles the lake, providing access to more secluded spots where solitude can be enjoyed. Bicyclists can also enjoy the trail although there are a couple of spots bikes might need to be walked, depending on skill level. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee and crawfish boils are a popular dinner option. There are 2 boat docks adjacent to the campground, as well as a boat ramp and trailer parking. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but wakes and jet skis are not allowed. There are opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. Mushroom and berry picking are available in season. Other nearby trails access the North John Day Wilderness Area and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area. An interpretive sign about the beetle infestation is located in a few spots within the campground.

Facilities

The campground features 20 tent/RV campsites, 2 group sites, 6 tent only sites and 7 accessible toilet facilities. Other features include a 2-mile hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails, a boat ramp and 2 docks, and an interpretive sign. There is no potable water. Potable water can be obtained from Fremont Powerhouse, 7 miles east of the campground from May 15-Sept 30.

Nearby Attractions

The area around Olive Lake is rich in history. The dam and gates on the north side of the lake were constructed as part of a hydroelectric system to support gold mining activities within the northern Blue Mountain Region. Historically, water from the lake flowed through a wooden pipeline to the Fremont Powerhouse, where it was used to produce electricity for mines and towns in the area. Fremont Powerhouse is located approximately 7 miles east and the historic moning town of Granite is 12 miles east of Olive Lake along Forest Road 73.

Camp site features

Across 28 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 28 sites
Pets allowed: all 28 sites
ADA accessible: 7 of 28 sites
Group sites: 2 of 28 sites
Largest party: 20 people

Directions

From Ukiah, OR travel south to County Road 1475 (turns into Forest Service Road 52 after 5 miles). Go about 48.5 mile to the town of Granite. Instead of entering the town, turn right onto County Road 24/Forest Service Road (FSR) 10 and travel about 3.5 miles to the end of the pavement. Follow the gravel road up to the right (FSR 10). Travel about 9 miles on FSR 10. Turn right on FSR 1000480 and travel about 1/4 miles into the campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

47 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Lynn G

Loop:Olive Lake

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Beautiful location. Clean campground.

Justin H

Loop:Olive Lake

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great site, Great Lake, great times!

Mary l

Loop:Olive Lake

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

It’s a very peaceful place. We enjoy our stay. Definitely worth the long drive

Kirsten M

Loop:Olive Lake

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Dog got sprayed by skunk when told Campground host he didnt seem to care and just kept saying he had never seen a skunk in the area and the walking path there was many trees down and made path inaccessible

Erica L

Loop:Olive Lake

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

My most favorite place to camp The water was clear as glass and brought me so much serenity. The hike to the site was quite strenuous but having a wagon helped a lot

Michael M

Loop:Olive Lake

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

I was not able to get to the campground due to the fires. I hope to stay there in the future.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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