Opal Creek Wilderness is home to the largest contiguous area of low-elevation old growth forest in Oregon. One of the oldest and largest trees in the Opal Creek area is a Douglas Fir that is 1,000 years old. Incredible.
This is a place that will stick with you. We first visited back in February of 2015 on a crisp morning. As we walked the trail along the creek, the sun poured through the old growth forest filling me with awe and wonder. How special is it to walk among ancient trees and feel so small? I have wanted to return ever since.
We hop in the car early Saturday of Mother's Day weekend and arrive at the trailhead a little after 9 am. The parking lot is already jammed. Opal Creek is a popular destination. Family friendly, easy hiking, gorgeous forest, a nature center, a crystal clear river - what more could you ask for? It takes us a little longer to get moving these days - Lindsay nurses Luca and I get our pack ready and watch about a dozen other cars arrive, including a family living in their Sprinter van. #vanlife
We secure Luca in his Osprey pack - for the first time - and he loves it!
The trail is actually a road - perhaps the most beautiful one I've ever walked on. The road leads to Jawbone Flats, an old mining town which is now an historic educational center - the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center. Population 11. Really.
The rest of this blog post is light on words, so I hope you enjoy the following images of our 7 mile walk among ancient, wondrous giants.
Talk about a scenic road, right? We cross the Little North Santiam River on a delightful bridge and enter a younger forest. Luca enjoys a quick break before we continue onwards to Opal Pool.
On this side of the river, we run into only a handful of other hikers. The trail follows the river and we enjoy views of the turquoise Little North Santiam.
After seven or so miles we are back at the car. Next time I'll be sure to take some photos of Jawbone Flats and the old mining equipment - I'm sure we will be back!
I am grateful for my first Mother's Day gift - time spent with the two I love most walking among these magnificent giants. One memory will stick with me - Luca's visible curiosity and wonder while gazing up into the tree tops. My cup has been replenished.
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”