No parking along the south side of Road 2207 between Shady Cove Bridge and the eastern Opal Creek SRA boundary.Larry Morgan looks at the headstone for his mother Opal Mary Ann Morgan who is buried in a small cemetery on his property and his home at the bottom. This center, though in the middle of nowhere, is quite happenin. Browse 59 opal creek stock photos and images available, or search for opal creek oregon or opal creek wilderness oregon to find more great stock photos and pictures. A completely off-the-grid town, the center exits solely for education, research, and preservation purposes pertaining to the Opal Creek Wilderness area. No parking along Road 2207 between the junction with Road 2209 and the Shady Cove Bridge. 10 reviews of Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center 'Opal Creek Forest Center is actually in the 'ghost' town of Jawbone Flats, OR.Once through this entrance, the water turns around a sharp left-hand corner and over a small slide. 15 minute parking limit at the visitor information kiosk at the 2209/2207 road junction. Jim busts through the first ledge in door 2.Parking allowed only along the south shoulder within ¼ mile of the Opal Creek Trailhead and at the designated trailhead parking areas for Henline Falls, Henline Mountain and Nasty Rock Trailheads.Tightly packed cars and resulting congestion can prevent emergency vehicle access please park only in designated spots. To access Whetstone Mountain Trail, Hike approximately ¾ of a mile up the road past the gate and the Whetstone Mountain Trailhead will be on the left. Opal Creek Trail will begin with a foot-bridge crossing the Little North Santiam River on the right. To access Kopetski / Opal Creek Trail, Hike approximately 3 miles up the road past the gate. Travel about 21 miles on Forest Road 2209 to the Opal Creek Trailhead parking area. Turn left on North Fork Road, which is marked "Little North Santiam Recreation Area". Recreation Passes may be used as a form of fee payment.įrom Salem, travel East on Highway 22 to milepost 23 at the Swiss Village Restaurant. Water from streams should be filtered or treated. Special regulations are in place to help protect this area and preserve the experience for you and for future visitors including:
#OPAL CREEK FREE#
Free permits are self-issued at the trailhead.
Wilderness Self-Issue Permit required for both day use and overnight stays from June 15 through October 15. Visit: to learn more about these passes and where to purchase them. Day-use passes and annual passes are available electronically, by mail, and through local vendors. It’s one of those special places that one might fear is at risk of being overrun. And on any given sunny day the trail is teeming with foot traffic. It’s a relatively easy 3-mile hike into Jawbone Flats. To reduce the risk of theft, we no longer accept payment on-site. The heart of Opal Creek is Jawbone Flats, a rejuvenated historic mining outpost in the midst of 35,000-acres of ancient forest watershed. This site requires a Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency pass.
5/13/22: Closed due to Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fire closure.