North Santiam Travel Corridor

Opal Creek Wilderness

Close To... Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Area Trail Area Three Pools Day Use Area Shady Cove Campground For more information... For wilderness regulations and permit information, see the Wilderness page. Contact the Detroit Ranger District More contact information

Acres: 20,266

Elevation: 1,600 ' - 4,600

Topography: Opal Creek Wilderness features steep and rugged forested hillsides. The eastern portion of the area encompasses the headwaters of two major creeks (Battle Axe Creek and Opal Creek) which join to become the Little North Santiam River. The western portion of the area is dominated by two prominent peaks, Whetstone and Henline mountains, which offer scenic vantage points and were once used as fire lookout sites.

Trails: Presently there are eight trails totalling 36 miles. These are remnants of the early day prospecting and fire access routes. All are single destination, in-out, trails with little opportunity for loop travel. Future management planning for the new wilderness will consider opportunities for expanding the trail system and providing for loop travel.

Vegetation: The area is forested with Douglas fir, Pacific silver fir and Western hemlock plant associations. Western red cedar and Pacific yew occur in wet lowlands while higher ridges have some Engelmann spruce and mountain hemlock. Common hardwoods include big leaf maple and red alder. Understory vegetation includes huckleberry, vine maple and rhododendron.

Access: Opal Creek Wilderness can be reached via Oregon State Highway 22 and Marion County North Fork Road. The county road becomes Forest Road 2209 at the forest boundary. This road parallels the boundary of the western portion of the wilderness. Three trailheads, Henline Falls-Ogle Mountain, Henline Mountain and Nasty Rock trails are along the road. The eastern or "interior" portion of the wilderness is reached from the gated end of road 2209. Public vehicle traffic is not permitted beyond the gate but foot, and horse travel is allowed. This former mining access route continues to parallel the wilderness boundary and trailheads for Whetstone Mountain, Mike Kopetski-Opal Creek and Battle Axe Creek trails are located along the route. (Bicycles are allowed on the road beyond the gate into Jawbone Flats but are prohibitted on trails off of the road.)

Permits: A free, self-issued wilderness permit is available at the trailheads. The Northwest Forest Pass is required at the trailheads along Road 2209 and at the gate parking area. See Recreation Passes & Permits for more information about required passes.

Contact Points:
Detroit Ranger District. HC73 Box 320, Mill City, OR 97360
PH. (503) 854-3366
FAX (503) 854-4239