City Council members and City staff recently had the opportunity to meet with employees from Portland General Electric (PGE) and tour several key hydroelectric facilities located right here in Estacada, including the Faraday Powerhouse, North Fork Powerhouse, and the North Fork Reservoir.
These facilities are part of the Clackamas River Hydroelectric Project, which has provided reliable, renewable energy to the region for over a century.
During the visit, City representatives learned more about how PGE operates and maintains these facilities to meet the region’s electricity needs while also prioritizing environmental stewardship. A key focus of the tour was the extensive fish management systems in place, including the North Fork Fish Ladder, one of the longest of its kind, along with fish sorting, transport, and habitat improvement efforts designed to support salmon, steelhead, and other native species.
The visit also highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration between PGE, local governments, and environmental partners. These partnerships help ensure that the Clackamas River continues to support both critical infrastructure and thriving ecosystems.
City officials sincerely appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand the work being done to balance energy production with wildlife protection and look forward to continued collaboration with PGE in the future.
Resources
North Fork Powerhouse & Reservoir