About this spot
Within two hours of Portland, this straightforward riverside trail showcases an impressive expanse of ancient forest featuring trees over 500 years old. The woodland was slated for timber harvest before protective legislation safeguarded the region in 1998. The basic 4-mile route follows a river corridor to Sawmill Falls, a 30-foot waterfall emptying into a deep pool. An extended 7.1-mile circuit continues upriver past Opal Pool and Jawbone Flats, a preserved 1929-1932 mining settlement containing 27 structures. Accessible year-round, though winter weather may bring snow and ice. From I-5 exit 253 near Salem, take Highway 22 east for 23 miles to Mehama. At the second flashing yellow light, turn left onto Little North Fork Road. Drive 15 paved miles plus 1.3 miles of gravel, bearing left at a fork onto Road 2209. Continue 4.2 miles to a locked gate. Only Jawbone Flats residents may proceed by vehicle; hikers must leave their cars here. A Northwest Forest Pass ($5 daily or $30 annually) is required. From the gate, a primitive route crosses Gold Creek via a 60-foot bridge and traverses dramatic canyon walls alongside the Little North Santiam. At 2 miles, Merten Mill's abandoned equipment sits on the right—a Depression-era operation that briefly ran using salvaged naval machinery before closing after accidents. A short detour behind the remaining building accesses Sawmill Falls. Beyond Merten Mill, a 100-foot span crosses the river to a gravel bar. The path then follows Opal Creek Trail through forest rich with twinflower and huckleberries (ripe in July). A side trail reaches Opal Pool's scenic gorge. The loop continues across a footbridge above the pool, climbs to an old mining road, and traverses Jawbone Flats—now operated as an old-growth research facility. Visitors should remain on designated routes and keep dogs leashed. A summer weekend store provides refreshments; rustic cabins rent for $100-$300 nightly. Optional: From Opal Pool, continue upstream 0.6 miles to a single-log crossing, passing small cascades. Extend another 0.9 miles through rougher terrain to Cedar Flat's ancient red cedars (500-1,000 years old). The Beachie Creek log crossing serves as a reasonable turnaround point.