June 5, 2026 (Fri.) - Remembering Keetley (Utah)
Today was our last full day at Deer Creek State Park, and we planned a meaningful outing: visiting the area where Lynn’s ancestors lived during World War II when they voluntarily relocated to Keetley, Utah in the spring of 1942 due to Executive Order 9066 which allowed the U.S. military to forcefully remove or incarcerate Japanese Americans from the West Coast.
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The morning started like most others—Lynn was up at 0600 and out walking by 0830. Since January 2026, she’s been walking about an hour a day (2.5–3 miles) with the goal of hitting 10,000 steps per day. Canyon RV Park in Anaheim spoiled her with its big, lively, safe walking loops, but she’s kept the routine going on the road. Deer Creek State Park is huge and hilly, which makes for great exercise… and occasionally odd discoveries like washed‑up rafts and toy balls hiding in bushes.
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At one point she wandered toward the far side of the parking lot, convinced she’d spotted a majestic swan gliding across the water. It was a buoy. So yes, an eye exam may be in her future. But the real surprise came when a man suddenly stepped out of the bushes near some isolated picnic tables. With no campsites nearby and her California instincts kicking in, her internal alarms went off. Thankfully, a fisherman was close enough to make the situation feel less creepy, and she made a quick exit. Probably harmless—but definitely a reminder to stay alert and avoid isolated corners when walking solo.
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Kirk was up around 0915, and after a light breakfast we set out to find the commemorative signs honoring the Japanese Americans who evacuated to Keetley, Utah during WWII. The town no longer exists and is now sitting under the Jordanelle Reservoir. We weren’t exactly sure where the signs were, so we stopped at the Hailstone Entrance to Jordanelle State Park. It cost $10 to enter, and even the Visitor Center staff weren’t totally sure of the location. A little online sleuthing pointed us toward the Ross Creek entrance, and the staff helped guide us there—only about ten minutes away.
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Once inside Ross Creek, we could see the two signs from the road—maybe 20–30 feet away—but of course there was no parking anywhere near them. Instead, you have to park down by the shoreline picnic areas and take a narrow, rocky, unshaded trail with switchbacks. It’s a surprisingly long walk considering how close the signs look from the road. Not exactly a senior‑friendly design.
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Lynn’s great‑uncle (dad’s side), Fred Isamu Wada, led 130 Japanese Americans from California to Keetley—an abandoned mining town—as an alternative to entering internment camps during World War II. He negotiated with the Utah governor for the land, which was rocky, overgrown, and considered uninhabitable. But the group worked tirelessly to clear it and turn it into a functioning farm. They lived freely, though the work was grueling. Lynn’s dad was just 10 years old when he lived there. It was fun to see Lynn’s aunts on the signs as children and read more about the history of Keetley, her great uncle that led the Japanese families there, and the life they created on the land.
More on this history:
Japanese-American businessman helps 130 people evacuate to Keetley Farm during WWII
Japanese American history lies under Utah’s Jordanelle Resevoir – AsAmNews
Utah Farming Community Commemorates Its 80th Anniversary – Pacific Citizen
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After visiting the signs, we drove to the Rock Cliff entrance of Jordanelle Reservoir, which staff at Hailstone had called a “must see.” For us, it was more of a “well… we saw it.” Mostly a cliff of rocks, a boat launch, and a Nature Center that didn’t offer much to look at.
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We stopped for lunch around 1 p.m. at Back 40 Ranch House Grill in Heber City, a farm‑to‑table restaurant with locally sourced ingredients. Lynn’s favorite part was the horses grazing right next to the parking lot. We ordered onion dip and potato chips that were absolutely fantastic. Kirk had a French dip, Lynn had a burger—both good, but honestly, the chips and dip were the real stars.
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On the way back, we noticed signs and construction for the Utah Valley Marathon. Apparently, a portion of Highway 189 will be closed tomorrow—the day we leave. We’re hoping it doesn’t interfere with our departure, but even the office staff didn’t have details.
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The rest of the day was spent relaxing, enjoying the campground and packing up for tomorrow’s departure.
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Weather – High 84*, Low 50*. No wind or rain. No humidity.
Traffic – Not much, just a little from construction.
Food – Back 40 Ranch House Grill.
Notable – Keetley Farms Commemorative Signs, Jordanelle Reservoir.
Photos : Keetley, Ut Commemorative signs
Signs commemorate the Japanese Americans who voluntarily evacuated to Keetley, Utah during World War II. Lynn’s dad, Hisashi “Frank” Yamada, was ten years old at the time. His mother, Eiko, was the sister of Fred I. Wada, who led the group there. Lynn’s grandfather wasn’t with them—he had been arrested during that period. An 80th‑anniversary commemoration was held in 2022, but Lynn wasn’t able to attend. Being here now and seeing where her family once lived made the visit especially meaningful.
Photos : Jordanelle SP (Other)
At the recommendation of the Jordanelle State Park staff, we stopped at the Rock Cliff section, checked out the Nature Center, drove around the Marina, and went searching for the actual “rock cliff.” In the end, all we really found was… a cliff of rocks along the road. The Nature Center was a bit underwhelming too—nothing much to look at, though you could hear a few birds. We did manage to spot a few odd and unique things to photograph, so at least the detour wasn’t a total loss.
