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The State of Oregon, Department of Fish and Wildlife web site indicated the following about the Gold Ray Dam's history: "The original Gold Ray Dam log crib structure was built in 1903/04, followed in 1939/40 by the concrete dam. The existing fish ladders were built in 1940 when the concrete dam was constructed. Modifications/upgrades to the fish ladder and counting station were made in 1940 and 1968." (See http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/fish_counts/gold_ray_dam.asp Accessed 10/31/2008) The dam originally served as an electrical power source for the City of Medford, OR. Jackson County, OR, took over control of the dam and 29 acres of surroinding land in 1972 to create a park.

This dam is located at mile 134 on the Rogue River.

A new concrete dam was added during the New Deal, 1939-1940. In 05/2008, Jackson County received a $100,000 grant to survey the possibilities of removing sediment behind the dam. (Experts tested to see what contaminants may remain in the sediment.) Serious plans for its demolition were raised in 10/2008, with possible bids for the demolition going out as early as 2011; Jackson County planned to remove the Savage River Dam, Gold Hill Diverson Dam and the Gold Ray Dam to provide salmon a clear run from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Naturalists hope that the area can be reclaimed to produce a white water rapids suitable for recreational use.

PCAD id: 13165