We had read about a natural water slide that was on Opal Creek, and we found it on our hike back. Some of those pools are deep and used for jumping.An excellent riverside swimming location that is perfect for families can be found just before the spot where the Santiam River enters into rocky canyon of the Three Rivers site. Expect to drive 20mph Camping and parking are regulated due to the popularity of the site.Clearing on one side of trail reveals steep hillside and view down to creek.At this trailhead a Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking, there is no place near the trailhead to purchase this pass so you must buy the pass in Stayton or Gates. You'll receive your first newsletter soon!Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more!This Quaint Little Trail Is The Shortest And Sweetest Hike In PortlandThe 12 Coolest Attractions In Portland That Not Enough People VisitThe Most Mouthwatering New Mexican Food Is Waiting For You Inside This Hidden Portland KitchenThe State Park Near Portland That You Simply Must Visit This YearHike This Trail With 10 Stunning Waterfalls Near Portland For The Most Magical Winter Excursion EverThis Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near PortlandThe Hidden Swimming Spot Near Portland Will Take You A Million Miles Away From It AllWalk Behind A Waterfall For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience Near Portland So to help here’s the featured spot in order : parking lot gate ,half bridges ,saw mill falls and old mining remnants, (cross roads )left to jaw bone (closed) right across the bridge to opal slide and opal pools. Be safe and enjoy the hike!Just did this trail on Monday, the roads and paths are nicely paved. Opal Creek Trail; Opal Creek TH to Opal Pool 2-25-17; Opal Creek Wilderness 6/17/16 - 6/19/16; Opal Creek to Cedar Flats 6/27; Related Discussions / Q&A . Had to park pretty far away and the last few miles to the trail is gravel and bumpy. After 15.1 miles of pavement road turns to gravel. In 22 miles - at second yellow light just east of Mehama - turn left onto North Fork Road SE. This road parallels the boundary of the western portion of the wilderness. Great idea. Many wonderful trails to explore threw the forest along flowing emerald water rushing over natures treasures. No bugs.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing.

This hike is not a light one, come prepared for the reward is great. Google map does not show the closure. Opal creek does not disappoint, the entire trail is gorgeous and there is so much to look at on your hike from old mining equipment to actually mines an ancient forest to enjoy to swimming holes and natural slides . Reading other reviews I was concerned that we needed an suv but it was fine. Along the water it was busy but easy to spread out. The Bathroom facilities were dirty when we arrived, but after 2 hours there was fecal matter on the floors and all over the toilet. Super packed with most people not bothering with masks.

The hike starts at the Opal Creek Trailhead in the spectacular cedar forest, among 500-year-old trees. ”Pucher noted that a number of people have been injured and required rescue, but under the current circumstances, “no ambulance would have been able to get through.”With the hottest weekend on the horizon, and temperatures expected in the high 90s this Saturday and Sunday, the craziest could be yet to come.

But totally worth it to make it to the trail. Great day overall. We’ve taken our fit up even worse gravel roads and so the conditions of this road were of little concern. There were maybe 10-15 cars there. The problem this year is a double-edged sword. He said the parks have been often over-capacity, leading to crowding, parking and trespassing problems. About half way there, you will see a spot along the river called Slide Falls where the rocks in the river have formed a few smooth shoots that look like water slides. Instead of being 100 degrees as projected, it was comfortable low 90’s in the shade. Half of those visitors come on the weekends, meaning a Saturday could see 1,200 to 2,200 people.This year, the highest weeks have seen over 4,000 cars, with the peak at 4,359 cars.

Landers recommended people follow these guidelines: © 2020 www.statesmanjournal.com. Luckily for hikers, sun bathers and outdoor enthusiasts, the area is now protected as the Opal Creek Wilderness. Definitely kid friendly, did the trail with three kids under 5 just fine. As far as the drive up goes- drove a Honda Fit at a normal speed and had zero issues. It’s not fun trying to coordinate the nine cars behind you to all reverse together far enough so that the people coming downhill can get by... it’s actually quite dangerous with the terrible condition that the road is in and given that it’s all happening right next to a cliff with what seems to be a 500+ foot drop. We did the whole thing but stopped at some different spots along the way. Not recommended for folks with mobility issues. As it was a hot summer day, there were several people already enjoying the slide…

Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.NOTE: As of July 2020, users have reported that near the end of route shown on this page, there is a trail closure. would recommend. PDX Hiking 365 by Matt Reeder 101 Hikes in the Majestic Mount Jefferson Region by Matt Reeder

Lots of people, some were very good at given you 6ft, others not do much. Beautiful water at the end with rocks to jump off of. A perfectly carved into rock natural waterslide is hiding along the creek just for your sliding fun. Beautiful places to stop throughout.

NOTE: As of July 2020, users have reported that near the end of route shown on this page, there is a trail closure. Warning: Gates hill road to the trail from Gates is currently closed.