Photo by Adam Sawyer
The Opal Creek Wilderness is a low-elevation ancient forest that is home to the largest intact stand of old-growth forest in the western Cascades. Trees in this area can range up to 1,000 years old. Because the forest has remained intact for so long, the flora and fauna interact the way nature intended. Cycles that can take hundreds of years to complete have been left alone to do so, and in the process the forest filters Opal Creek to a state of pristine beauty.
If the opportunity to experience a forest in unaltered ancient condition isn’t enough, the hike to Opal Creek provides other diversions. For starters, the seven-mile, 200-foot-elevation-gain loop hike begins at the gated road to the former mining community of Jawbone Flats (population 11). The town now serves as home to the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center. The small amount of mining that was done here was performed without chemicals, leaving the watershed undisturbed. Only residents are allowed to drive the road, but fortunately there are some interesting things to see along the walk into town. Hikers will pass over bridges and walk by an old mine shaft before coming to what remains of the Merten Mill. The mill operated briefly during the depression, only clearing a handful of acres before the company’s logging trucks fell off of the high canyon road. A trail leads from the mill down to Sawmill Falls and its wonderfully deep, swimmable pool. Farther up the trail, hikers will also have the opportunity to check out Slide Falls. The almost-too-good-to-be-true water slide takes one quick turn and a dip before delivering you into a perfect splash pool. Adventurous hikers in the mood for something longer can continue on, past numerous pools and falls to Cedar Flats, an ancient grove of red cedars that makes for an epic 10.5-mile, 550-foot-elevation-gain hike or backpacking trip. This is my daughter’s favorite backpacking trip, and one that has become an annual tradition.
To get there, take I-5 South to Salem, Exit 253. Head east on Highway 22 for 23 miles to the second flashing light in Mahena. Turn left here onto Little North Fork Road and travel 16.3 miles. Fork left onto Road 2209 and drive the final six miles to the locked gate and trailhead.
From the gate, walk 2.2 miles, passing the Merten Mill. Turn right to cross the river, and then make an immediate left onto the Opal Creek Trail. Follow this trail for 1.4 miles to Opal Pool. To complete the seven-mile loop, turn left to cross the creek on a bridge. Stay left on an old mining road leading to Jawbone Flats. Follow the road through town and back down to the trailhead. To continue up to Cedar Flats, do not cross the bridge at Opal Pool. Rather, continue up the Opal Creek Trail another .6 mile to a bridge crossing. (Note that as of August 1, 2011, this bridge crossing is officially closed by the USFS due to damage. Any crossing here will be at your own risk.) After the bridge crossing, the trail continues past numerous little falls and pools before arriving at Cedar Flats. The area is not marked, but you’ll know it by the ten-foot-thick cedars and large open camping spots. Head back the way you came.
–Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
