In the rural mountains of Siskiyou County, the Salmon River Outpost has been a cornerstone of the Somes Bar community since the gold rush. Once a meeting spot for miners and settlers, today it stands as one of the only stores within miles where locals can access fresh, organic food and everyday essentials.
In 2023, Elly of the Karuk tribe, and Joe O’Rourke, Yurok, took over, starting a new era for the outpost. Their dream was to turn this historical store into the thriving market they always knew it could be. In addition to offering local and organic produce, the O’Rourke’s envisioned additional store space for local Natives to sell their artwork, jewelry, and other handmade goods.
The Salmon River Outpost had been up for sale on Craigslist for three years, but the price dropped once the seller learned of the O'Rourkes' local heritage and their vision for the store. Even with the reduced price, pulling together the $650,000 needed for the business and land was a massive challenge.
North Edge stepped in to be the primary lender and directed $375,000 into the project. They were joined by The Alliance, the Yurok Tribe’s Community Development Financial Institution, which offered a $50,000 loan to the O'Rourkes. With another significant contribution coming from a partnership initiative between the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation and the Karuk Tribe, the couple was provided with an additional $250,000, placing their dream well within reach.
This combined effort eased the financial process for the O'Rourkes and showcased a united effort to keep the business and its cultural legacy alive. With the funding secured, Elly and Joe set their sights on revitalizing the outpost.
The O’Rourkes continue to expand their offerings and provide organic and healthier food options to a rural community in a food desert. “We're glad to be the first Native owners of an original outpost,” Elly shared. “We're happy to be running it and get it built back up to what our community needs.” On Saturdays, locals find Joe putting the store’s commercial kitchen to good use—serving delicious tacos, sliders, ribs, and more.
As the outpost grows under the care of the O’Rourke’s, it's set to be a beacon of community spirit and cultural pride in Somes Bar.
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