Ella Walter
Opal Creek is a scenic recreation area located within the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. Covering 13,538 acres, the area includes Elkhorn Creek, a Wild and Scenic River, and the Opal Creek Wilderness, which spans 20,827 acres. Opal Creek's ancient forest gained fame in the 1980s due to a controversy over logging proposals, and it was eventually granted Wilderness protection in 1998. The area has a rich history of mining, with gold mining beginning in 1859 and subsequent mining of lead, zinc, copper, and lead. While miners at Jawbone Flats did not find significant amounts of gold, gold panning is still a popular activity in the region, with some success reported in the Opal Creek drainage and along parts of the North Santiam River.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Willamette National Forest |
| Area | 13,538 acres |
| Rivers | Elkhorn Creek, Gold Creek, Little North Santiam River |
| Trails | Opal Lake Trail, Phantom Bridge Trail, Whetstone Mountain Trail, Little North Santiam Trail, Opal Creek Trail |
| Gold Panning | Gold panning is possible in the Opal Creek drainage |
| Parking | Allowed only along the south shoulder within 1/4 mile of the Opal Creek Trailhead and at designated trailhead parking areas |
| Fees | Northwest Forest Pass required for parking, costing $5 per day or $30 per season |
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What You'll Learn
Gold panning is allowed at Opal Creek
Gold panning is a popular activity in the area, and there are several trails that provide access to potential panning sites. One trail leads from the Opal Creek Trailhead, crossing Gold Creek on a 60-foot-high bridge and passing through dramatic cliffs above the Little North Santiam River. This trail eventually leads to Jawbone Flats, a historic mining town and the site of the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center.
Another trail, the Little North Santiam Trail, provides access to the Three Pools Day Use Area, which is designated for recreation activities such as gold panning and swimming. This trail also offers scenic views of the river and the surrounding wilderness.
It is important to note that special regulations are in place to protect the Opal Creek area and preserve the experience for all visitors. Visitors are advised to follow these regulations and respect the privacy of the residents of Jawbone Flats. Additionally, parking restrictions apply in certain areas to manage the impact of visitors on the environment.
Overall, Opal Creek offers a unique opportunity for gold panning enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the area while engaging in their favourite activity. With its rich history, diverse trails, and scenic recreation areas, Opal Creek is a popular destination for those seeking to combine outdoor adventure with the thrill of gold panning.
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Jawbone Flats, a Depression-era mining camp
Jawbone Flats is a well-preserved collection of 27 buildings dating from 1929 to 1932. The site has been donated to the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Centre as an old-growth study centre. Visitors are asked to respect the residents' privacy by staying on the road, and dogs must be kept on a leash. During the summer, a small store in the settlement sells snacks, drinks, and T-shirts. Several cabins are also available for rent, sleeping between two and sixteen people.
The hike to Jawbone Flats follows the Opal Creek Trail along the Little North Santiam River through woods where twinflower blooms and huckleberries ripen in July. After a mile, a sign points left to Opal Pool's scenic gorge. To return via a loop, hikers turn left, cross a footbridge at the head of Opal Pool, climb to an old mining road, and keep left through Jawbone Flats.
Gold panning is a popular activity in Western Oregon, and while miners at Jawbone Flats did not find commercial quantities of gold, gold can be found in the nearby Opal Creek drainage and along parts of the North Santiam River.
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The Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center
The Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area is 13,538 acres and includes Elkhorn Creek, a Wild and Scenic River. The Opal Creek Wilderness is 20,827 acres and includes the 8,000 acres of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness, also located within the Willamette National Forest Boundary.
Jawbone Flats has been donated to the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center as an old-growth study centre. The centre includes several rentable cabins that sleep 2-16 people. Dogs are allowed at the centre but must be kept on a leash.
The Opal Creek area is known for its gold panning recreation areas, as well as its swimming and hiking opportunities. Gold Creek, which is located in the Opal Creek Wilderness, is a popular spot for gold panning. The area is also home to several old mineshafts and mining camps, including the Blende Oro Mine and the Minnie E. Mine.
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The Opal Creek Wilderness and the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area
The Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area is a 13,538-acre area that was designated in 1996 and established in November 1998. It includes Elkhorn Creek, a Wild and Scenic River. The Opal Creek Wilderness spans 20,827 acres and includes the 8,000-acre Bull of the Woods Wilderness, situated within the Willamette National Forest Boundary. The Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, a non-profit organisation, operates from Jawbone Flats, a historic mining town in the heart of the forest.
The Opal Creek area is known for its ancient forests, which gained fame in the 1980s due to controversies surrounding Forest Service logging proposals. The area finally achieved Wilderness protection in 1998, and an improved path was constructed to accommodate hikers. Jawbone Flats, a well-preserved collection of buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, has been donated to the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center as an old-growth study centre. The centre also offers several cabins for rent.
The Opal Creek Trail is a popular hiking route that leads to Opal Pool and Jawbone Flats. The trail crosses Gold Creek on a 60-foot-high bridge and offers views of the Little North Santiam River and surrounding cliffs. The area is also known for its waterfalls, including those along Beachie Creek and Horn Creek. The Whetstone Mountain Trail and the North Fork Road also provide access to the Opal Creek area.
Gold panning is a recreational activity available in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area. While miners at Jawbone Flats did not find significant amounts of gold, gold panning is still possible in the nearby Opal Creek drainage and along the North Santiam River. Special regulations are in place to protect the area and preserve the experience for visitors.
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The Blende Oro Mine
Opal Creek is a scenic recreation area in Willamette National Forest, Oregon, designated in 1998. The area includes Elkhorn Creek, a Wild and Scenic River, and the Opal Creek Wilderness, which is over 20,000 acres. The Opal Creek Ancient Forest Centre, a non-profit organisation, operates from Jawbone Flats, a historic mining town in the heart of the forest.
Jawbone Flats, the historic mining camp located in Opal Creek, did not yield commercial quantities of gold, so miners focused on nickel and other minerals. However, it is unclear if the Blende Oro Mine was a site for gold mining or if gold was ever discovered there.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gold panning is one of the activities available at the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area.
From Interstate 5 exit 253 in Salem, drive on East 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. Then drive 4.2 miles to the locked gate.
Parking is only allowed along the south shoulder within 1/4 mile of the Opal Creek Trailhead and at designated trailhead parking areas. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park here and can be purchased for $5 per day or $30 per season.
Opal Creek offers a variety of activities such as hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and viewing the scenery. There are also several trails to explore, including the Opal Lake Trail, Phantom Bridge Trail, and Whetstone Mountain Trail.
