The now abandoned power station at White River Falls State Park has been heavily gratified and is slowly rusting inside. Bars on all windows and doorways block hikers from entry for safety.
Graffiti seen through bars at the abandoned White River Falls powerhouse. The power station here ceased operations in 1963 after churning out hydroelectricity since 1910.
Heather Whittle looks on over White River Falls from the day-use area March 18. The river is diverted slightly here, as seen in the center of the photo, at a collection pond where rocks and debris were sorted before the water continued toward the turbines of the old power plant when it was still in operation.
Celestial Falls, front, and White River Falls, back, pour over basalt rock cliffs into pools below.
Makenzie Whittle
Heather Whittle and her dog, Django, look on Celestial Falls, the second drop along a half-mile stretch of the White River.
Makenzie Whittle
Graffiti seen through bars at the abandoned White River Falls powerhouse. The power station here ceased operations in 1963 after churning out hydroelectricity since 1910.
Makenzie Whittle
Heather Whittle looks on over White River Falls from the day-use area March 18. The river is diverted slightly here, as seen in the center of the photo, at a collection pond where rocks and debris were sorted before the water continued toward the turbines of the old power plant when it was still in operation.
The first signs of spring were evident as my sister and I drove the two hours toward White River Falls State Park. From farmers burning fields and irrigation ditches as they ready for the planting season to the circling turkey vultures above the haze of their light smoke, spring is well on its way.
And on Saturday, it sure felt like it, with sunny skies and temperatures peaking at 62 degrees if the thermometer in my car was accurate. The first truly warm day of 2023 was ripe for a quick adventure and the drive north.
Lower White River Falls cascades down a smaller basalt shelf than the upper falls does but still creates a beautiful scene.
The now abandoned power station at White River Falls State Park has been heavily gratified and is slowly rusting inside. Bars on all windows and doorways block hikers from entry for safety.
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Makenzie Whittle is a freelance movie critic and photographer and has an MFA in dramatic writing from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She can be reached at makenziewhittle.com.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.