Name: Opal Creek
Start: 2012-09-16T00:00:00-07:00
End: 2012-09-18T23:59:59-07:00

Past Activity

Opal Creek

Start date: 09/16/2012
Start time: 12:00 AM
End date: 09/18/2012
End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

Three days/ two nights at Jawbone Flats, Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, about 40 miles east of Salem. Price of $120 ($125 non-members) includes two nights' lodging and two dinners (vegetarian) in the lodge. Two cabins have 4 rooms each with a mixture of bunk, twin and double beds and two bathrooms. Cabins also have kitchens and BBQs, although no electric appliances can be accommodated because of limited power supply. Participants will provide own breakfasts and lunches, as well as sleeping bags and towels. There are several hiking options, from easy to moderate.
The Center provides one shuttle per group to ferry luggage from the parking lot to Jawbone Flats. This shuttle leaves the parking lot at 10 a.m.; if you miss it, you will be charged $50, so leave early enough from Eugene to ensure a timely arrival. It is a three-mile walk from the parking lot to Jawbone Flats.
Pre-trip meeting will be on Tuesday, September 4, at 7 p.m., at the Obsidians lodge.
To reserve a spot, please send your check for $120 within five (5) days of signing up. Checks should be made payable to Obsidians and sent to Pat Esch at 1555 Monterey Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401. There will be no refunds after June 30th. unless someone fills your spot.

Event Leader: Helen Martz
Event Leader Phone: 541-345-6229
Event Leader Email: macmartz@yahoo.com
Assistant Leader: Patricia Esch
Event category: Extended Trips
Area Type:
Departure Location: See Trip Description
Rating: Moderate
Roundtrip total drive miles: 212
Season: 2012
Permits Required:
- NW Forest Pass
Event Status: Passed
Supplies and Equipment Required: Weather-appropriate hiking gear; sleeping bag; towel & toiletries; food for 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches
participant prerequisites:
Conditions:
Total Distance:
Member Fees: 120
Elevation Gain:
Non-Member Fees: 125
Committee: Extended Trips
Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

According to John Muir, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he (sic) seeks." Muir could easily have been describing our experience at Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center with its shimmering pools, majestic cedars, colorful fungi and cascading waterfalls. Thirteen of us enjoyed a variety of trails including Cedar Flats, Beachie Saddle and Battle Axe Creek, as well as the pleasant trail to and from Jawbone Flats with its remnants of sawmill and mining equipment. Jawbone Flats itself is historically interesting and quite charming, and the Opal Creek staff were helpful and knowledgeable. Pleasantly tired from sun and hiking, we relaxed each evening on the comfortable cabin decks at Happy Hour, content in the knowledge that someone else was cooking dinner, a dinner that can only be described as scrumptiously creative gourmet vegetarian. Old-timers and newcomers alike enjoyed the whole experience.