Calendar

Past Activity

Canceled: Opal Creek

  • Start date: 05/12/2019

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 05/12/2019

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

This is a classic hike that winds along the Little N. Santiam River and Opal Ck, passing old-growth groves, waterfalls and emerald pools along the way. We will pass what remains of Depression era mining operations and will loop back through Jawbone Flats, the site of the Opal Ck Ancient Forest education center. Opal ck is a exceptionally lush and lovely trail.

  • Event Leader: Daphne James

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-683-7488

  • Event Leader Email: daphleej@yahoo.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: South Eugene High School, 19th & Patterson

  • Rating: Moderate

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 196

  • Season: 2019

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required:

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 7

  • Member Fees: 1

  • Elevation Gain: 300

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

It was a long and at times bumpy and dusty drive to the trailhead. But once we left our cars and stepped onto Opal Creek trail, we were immediately taken by the lush and lovely beauty around us. Situated just outside of Opal Creek Wilderness, the forest in this area is exceptionally green and teaming with a wide variety of plant life. Groves of Old Growth trees shade from above and massive ferns cover the forest floor.
We paused to visit a waterfall, then crossed a bridge to hike up stream along the North Fork of the Santiam River. Along the way we took a moment or two to admire the crystal clear water rushing by. From our lunch spot we watched and listened to the water gushing from between the huge gorge boulders into the vibrant turquoise water of Opal Pool.
We completed our hike looping back through Jawbone Flats, the site of the educational Ancient Forest Center. Some Obsidians were intrigued by the heavy machinery left behind from Depression era mining operations that can still be spotted on along the trail.
With both natural wonders as well as pieces of history from Oregon's bygone mining days- Opal Creek was a perfect trail for a warm and sunny Spring day.