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Moderate (to Beachie Creek) 10.2 miles round-trip 500 feet Opal Creek's ancient forest, on the edge of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness, was thrust to fame in the 1980s by controversy over Forest Service logging proposals. National television crews and thousands of visitors hiked to Jawbone Flats' rustic mining camp and scrambled over a rugged "bear trail" to view the endangered old-growth groves towering above this creek's green pools. By the time Opal Creek finally won Wilderness protection in 1996 an improved path had been built to make the area more hiker-friendly. The new trail shortcuts from the Little North Santiam River to Opal Creek, bypassing Jawbone Flats. Start by driving east from Salem on North Santiam Highway 22 for 23 miles to Mehama's second flashing yellow light. Opposite the Swiss Village Restaurant, turn left on Little North Fork Road for 15 paved miles and an additional 1.3 miles of gravel. At a fork, veer left on Road 2209 past the sign "Road Closed 6 Miles Ahead." Then drive 6 miles to the locked gate. Residents of Jawbone Flats are allowed to drive the dirt road ahead; others must park and walk. The pleasantly primitive road crosses Gold Creek on a 60-foot-high bridge, skirts dramatic cliffs above the Little North Santiam River, and winds through an old-growth grove as impressive as any found farther upstream. At the 2-mile mark, stop to inspect the rusting machinery of Merten Mill on the right. The mill operated briefly during the Depression, using winches from the battleship USS Oregon, but folded after two of the mill's lumber trucks fell off the narrow canyon road. Now a camping area for backpackers, the mill site has one small empty building that can serve as emergency shelter. A short side trail behind the building leads to Sawmill Falls, a 30-foot cascade pouring into a deep green pool ideal for swimming. The road forks 0.2 mile beyond Merten Mill, offering two options. Day hikers interested in the area's mining history may wish to continue straight on the main road 1.3 miles to Jawbone Flats, a well-preserved collection of 27 buildings dating from 1929-1932. Jawbone Flats has been donated to the Friends of Opal Creek as an old-growth study center. Respect the residents' privacy by staying on the road. Cross a bridge, turn right at a building with a humming water-power generator, and walk 0.2 mile further to a sign indicating a short side trail to Opal Pool's scenic gorge<197>a rewarding goal for an easy hike. If you're headed for the trail up Opal Creek, however, don't go to Jawbone Flats. Instead, turn right at the road fork beyond Merten Mill, cross the river on an old log bridge, and turn left onto the Opal Creek Trail. The path follows the Little North Santiam River a mile, crosses a forested bench to an overlook of Opal Pool, and then continues up Opal Creek 1.5 miles before petering out. Along the way you'll pass several small waterfalls and Cedar Flat's trio of ancient red cedars, 500-1000 years old. The Beachie Creek crossing, on a mossy log, makes a good turnaround point.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best hiking book!,
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This review is from: 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades (Paperback)
This is simply the best hiking books I've ever owned (and I own a lot!) A great selection of hikes, well written descriptions and directions, and excellent maps. I've been on over 30 of Sullivan's recommended hikes and enjoyed them enormously. The photos are beautiful. Get this book, get out and enjoy the wilderness!
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One hundred hikes.,
This review is from: 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades (Paperback)
An indispensable guide to hiking the Oregon Cascades. It contains all the information that you will need to find your way around in these spectacular mountains. The information on lodging and camping is also very helpful.
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The Gift That Keeps on Giving,
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This review is from: 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades (Paperback)
Some books open a whole new world to the reader, and this well-written, highly informative, good-humored hiker's guide is one of them. I bought an earlier version when I first moved to Central Oregon, coming from Central California. In short order this book helped me see more of Central Oregon than many lifetime natives had experienced. The clear descriptions of how to get to the destinations, the tips on wildlife and plant life, the simple rating systems, the symbols for dog and kid friendly hikes: Wow! My life is richer for this book! This is a can't miss book, and it is also a whoppingly good gift idea for any friend that is either going to move to or visit Central Oregon.
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