During the Depression, between 1930 and 1940, Oregon Creek became quite popular as a camping spot during the fall and winter because it was free, and there was plenty of free wood. "Mostly single men with their autos and tents moved in and panned for gold. Some set up sluice boxes on the edge of the river and, with diligence, finding enough gold to buy beans. Some of the characters were tradesmen, two were carpenters, one elderly oil field worker, an artist (oil paintings), a couple of prospectors - anyway, you look at it, a motley group."

- Frank Meggers