About this spot
This riverside trek, situated under two hours from Portland, leads through a five-centuries-old forest that narrowly escaped timber harvesting until protective legislation was enacted in 1998. Difficulty: The primary route covers 4 miles at an easy pace, passing through ancient woodland to reach a 30-foot waterfall. Those seeking greater distance can extend to 7.1 miles by looping toward Opal Pool and Jawbone Flats, remnants of a 1930s mining settlement. Season: Year-round access is available, though winter storms may create snow or ice conditions after mid-season. Getting There: Take Exit 253 off Interstate 5 near Salem and proceed east on Highway 22 for 23 miles until reaching Mehama's second yellow light. Continue on Little North Fork Road past Swiss Village Restaurant, traveling 15 paved miles plus 1.3 additional miles of unpaved surface. Bear left at a junction onto Road 2209 and continue 4.2 miles to a locked entrance. Only residents of Jawbone Flats may drive beyond; all others must leave vehicles here. Fees: A Northwest Forest Pass ($5 daily or $30 annually) is mandatory for parking. Purchase options include ranger stations, outdoor retailers, or the trailhead collection box. Hiking Tips: From the gate, a primitive passage bridges Gold Creek via a 60-foot span and edges along cliff faces above the Little North Santiam River through old-growth territory. Two miles in, explore the deteriorating equipment from Merten Mill, which operated briefly using naval equipment before closing when trucks plummeted from the narrow route. The mill site accommodates backpackers and has a modest shelter. A nearby spur reaches the 30-foot waterfall and swimming hole. Beyond the mill, cross a 100-foot bridge to follow Opal Creek Trail alongside the river through blooming wildflowers and berry patches. A marked detour leads to Opal Pool's gorge. The loop portion crosses a footbridge and passes through Jawbone Flats' 27 preserved structures (1929-1932), now managed as a forest study facility. Respect residents' space and keep dogs leashed. Weekend visitors may purchase supplies at the on-site shop. Rental cabins range from $100-$300 and accommodate 2-16 guests (503-897-2921; opalcreek.org). Additional exploration from Opal Pool extends 0.6 miles to a single-log crossing with small falls along the way. A rougher 0.9-mile segment reaches Cedar Flat's primordial red cedars (500-1,000 years old). The Beachie Creek log crossing provides a reasonable turnaround point before the trail becomes impassable. History: Conservation battles during the 1980s brought national attention to this ecosystem, drawing media crews and outdoor enthusiasts who traveled rough terrain to witness threatened stands. The 1998 Wilderness designation preceded construction of improved pathways that enabled contemporary loop hiking opportunities between the North Santiam and Opal Creek systems.