The Legacy of Estacada Rock Products: Built on Stone, Rooted in Community
Estacada Rock Products has long stood as a cornerstone of the Estacada, Oregon community—literally and figuratively. As a trusted, family-owned provider of high-quality crushed rock, sand, and gravel, our business has supplied vital materials for large-scale developments, residential projects, and everything in between. But the story of Estacada Rock Products is more than one of business success—it’s a story of local heritage, industry innovation, and generational commitment.
A Rich Natural and Cultural Landscape
Long before roads were paved or concrete was poured, the region that is now Estacada was home to the Clackamas people. For thousands of years, they lived along the riverbanks of the Clackamas River, thriving in an ecosystem abundant with salmon, elk, berries, and timber. Today, the land still reflects this legacy of sustainability and reverence for nature—values we at Estacada Rock Products deeply respect.
In the mid-1800s, pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail via the Barlow Road began settling the area. One of the earliest hubs was Eagle Creek, a frontier town complete with saloons, schools, a sawmill, and a post office. This was an era of bootstrapped industry, and it laid the groundwork for the infrastructure we rely on today.
The Birth of a City and the Power of Hydroelectricity
Estacada came into its own in 1903 with the construction of the Cazadero Hydroelectric Dam, which supplied electricity to the growing city of Portland. That same year, the Portland Railway, Light and Power Company extended a rail line into Estacada to transport workers and materials. What began as a work camp soon evolved into a small tourism hub and industrial powerhouse.
In the years that followed, a series of dams were constructed on the Clackamas River, including the River Mill Dam (completed in 1911), North Fork, Oak Grove, and Faraday projects. The River Mill Dam, named for its proximity to a local sawmill, remains a historic and engineering landmark and has been continuously operational for over a century.
Only one dam remains active today—North Fork Dam, which continues to generate hydroelectric power under the stewardship of Portland General Electric (PGE). These projects were pivotal in powering the region and helped define the Clackamas River as both a natural and industrial lifeline.
From Ready Mix to Rock Crushing: The Evolution of a Family Business
The roots of Estacada Rock Products trace back to the early 1950s, when Al Collins started a small operation with just one ready-mix truck and one dump truck. It was called Al’s Ready Mix, and while humble in scale, it was driven by ambition and grit. The business found its footing during the construction of the North Fork Dam in 1958, a massive public works project that required enormous quantities of aggregate.
Recognizing the growing need for crushed rock and raw materials, the family made a pivotal move in 1962 by purchasing a rock crusher and rebranding the business as Estacada Rock Products, Inc. This marked the beginning of a new era—one focused on mining, crushing, and supplying the region with premium-grade rock products.
In 1966, the company expanded again, launching Mt. Hood Redi Mix, eventually growing its fleet to five barrel trucks and three dump trucks. By 1999, the ready-mix division was sold to Concrete Services/CalPortland, allowing Estacada Rock Products to refocus exclusively on quarry operations and aggregate production.
Operations Today: Modern Tools, Traditional Values
Today, Estacada Rock Products operates three specialized plant systems to meet the demands of contractors, developers, landscapers, and homeowners across Oregon:
- The Crusher: Breaks rock into standard construction sizes—3/8”, 3/4”, and 1-1/2”.
- The Wet Plant: Washes and processes “reject” material into usable products such as 3/8” pea gravel, 3/4” round rock, 1-1/2” drain rock, and coarse washed river sand.
- The Screen Plant: Separates and washes large river rock from 4” to 12”, with larger boulders (up to several feet wide) set aside and sold for landscaping and decorative use.
All products are processed and sold on-site, ensuring quality control, efficient service, and deep knowledge of every material we offer.
Sustainability and Service: More Than Just Rock
In addition to aggregate production, Estacada Rock Products operates an eco-conscious dump site for clean fill—including uncontaminated dirt, asphalt, and concrete—supporting both residential and commercial projects. This service helps prevent illegal dumping and keeps debris out of landfills, offering a practical and environmentally responsible solution at just $10 per yard (measured by axle).
Our team combines generations of hands-on experience with a commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and community service. Whether you’re building a highway, resurfacing a driveway, or creating a backyard oasis, we’re here to supply the rock-solid foundation you need.
Looking Ahead: Rooted in Rock, Growing with the Community
After more than 60 years in business, Estacada Rock Products remains proudly family-owned and operated. What began as a one-man operation has grown into a critical supplier for Clackamas County and beyond. Through economic booms and busts, urban development and environmental change, one thing has stayed constant: our dedication to quality, service, and the community we call home.
As we look to the future, our mission remains the same—to be Oregon’s most reliable, ethical, and community-driven rock supplier.
Estacada Rock Products, Inc.
Reliable. Local. Rock Solid.
Located in the heart of Estacada, Oregon
www.EstacadaRockProducts.com
For inquiries or orders, contact us today
