Opal Creek
Opal Creek is an easy and historic hike in the Bull of the Woods Wilderness that takes you through an old mining area. If you are coming from Eugene, the drive is very long. Unless they have just graded it, the 6 mile gravel road up to the trailhead is extremely bad, with so many potholes that you can’t go around them. If you arrive at the trailhead any time after 10am, you will be shocked at how many cars there are in the parking area. The official parking lot only hold about 20 cars. After that cars park on the right hand side of the gravel road. The left side of the road has No Parking signs, as there are rocks that can come tumbling down the steep hill above.
*As of May 26, 2017 the US Forest Service has approved a new law which prohibits any fires at any of the primitive campsites along the trail and along Little North Santiam River. The new law also states that cars can only park a quarter mile down the road from the trailhead.
*As of May 26, 2017 the US Forest Service has approved a new law which prohibits any fires at any of the primitive campsites along the trail and along Little North Santiam River. The new law also states that cars can only park a quarter mile down the road from the trailhead.
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The hike starts off on an old gravel road. It still gets utilized sometimes to bring supplies to Jawbone Flats as they do host camps and boy scouts there throughout the year. This road continues through an ancient old growth forest for 2.3 miles. Along the sides of the road you start to see old mining equipment and dilapidated shacks.
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After the 2.2 miles you come to a bridge that goes to a trail on the other side of the the Little North Santiam River and completes the partial loop that you will come back on. Continue along the road for another 1.4 miles to the historic mining town called Jawbone Flats. About half way there, you will see a spot along the river called Slide Falls where the rocks in the river have formed a few smooth shoots that look like water slides. Apparently people slide down these slides in the summer time.
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Jawbone Flats has a well preserved collection of 27 buildings that date all the way back to 1930. There are a few year round residents here, as well as a few little cabins for nature camp participants. Hike all the way through the town, following the signs to Opal Creek. A little bit past the town, you will see rows of old rusty vehicles and mining equipment, which is really cool.
(This is the first and one of the more open and easy to get to pools)
(A deeper swimming hole of Opal Creek)
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After exploring the Jawbone Flats area you will cross a bridge and behold the beauty of Opal Pool. There are about 5 pools that each have a hidden spot you can get to from the trail that will lead you into a small gorge so you can sit by the water.
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(Marika at the mouth of an old mine)
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From here you will take the Kopetski Trail 1.5 miles through the woods, and back to where the bridge crosses the river and puts you back out at the road. The trail through the woods is absolutely stunning, with tall trees, lots of green undergrowth and many views of the river.
If you would like a longer hike, you can add a 3 mile out and back and take Kopetski Trail right after Opal Pool to see two waterfalls and go to Cedar Flats which is a small grove of Red Cedars that are 500-1,000 years old.
If you would like a longer hike, you can add a 3 mile out and back and take Kopetski Trail right after Opal Pool to see two waterfalls and go to Cedar Flats which is a small grove of Red Cedars that are 500-1,000 years old.
Overall, this hike is nice and easy, on well-maintained trail, and even partially on a road. This is definitely for all skill and age levels, and is great for getting your kids out into nature, and you get to also see such cool historic artifacts along the way. If you are more into solitary hikes with not quite so many people around, then I do not recommend this hike in the summer. To beat the crowds, do this hike as soon as the snow melts and the trail opens, or late in the fall before the snow.
Approximate hike time: 3 hours 10 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.3 mph
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, early winter
(Best time to go is early spring when the falls are flowing heavily and there aren't as many people).
Trail usage: Heave to very heavy
Directions: Drive 23 miles east of Salem on North Santiam Hwy 22 until you reach the town of Mehama. At the second flashing yellow light turn left onto Little North Santiam Fork Rd. for 16.3 miles. At a fork stay to the left on Road 2209 and drive 6 miles up to a gate. Long before the gate you will see many cars lining the road. Find a place to park early on, or else you will have to try to turn around at the trail head where cars are packed in tight and lots of people and dogs are milling about.
*As of May 26, 2017 the US Forest Service has approved a new law which states that cars can only park a quarter mile down the road from the trailhead.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, early winter
(Best time to go is early spring when the falls are flowing heavily and there aren't as many people).
Trail usage: Heave to very heavy
Directions: Drive 23 miles east of Salem on North Santiam Hwy 22 until you reach the town of Mehama. At the second flashing yellow light turn left onto Little North Santiam Fork Rd. for 16.3 miles. At a fork stay to the left on Road 2209 and drive 6 miles up to a gate. Long before the gate you will see many cars lining the road. Find a place to park early on, or else you will have to try to turn around at the trail head where cars are packed in tight and lots of people and dogs are milling about.
*As of May 26, 2017 the US Forest Service has approved a new law which states that cars can only park a quarter mile down the road from the trailhead.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
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To get a more in-depth and personal view of this hike, watch the YouTube video.
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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.
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