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Tags:
Level: Beginner
Length: 4 mi (6.4 km)
Surface: Fire Road
Configuration: Out & Back
Elevation: +750/ -692 ft
Total: 5 riders
Mountain Biking Opal Creek
#137 of 307 mountain bike trails in Oregon
Starting from the gate at the parking area it is about 3.5 miles to get to Opal Pool. There is a slight uphill climb along the way but nothing too difficult. The "trail" is a private access road that leads to Jawbone Flats. It is well maintained in some places and not so maintained in others. Make sure to bring your camera for some great photo-ops at Sawmill falls (accessed behind the really old barn that you will see from the trail) and Slide Falls (easily seen from the trail). Both of these locations provide for good swimming holes if you should choose to do so. You'll have to walk your bike through Jawbone Flats before you reach Opal Pool. Expect a fair share of hikers if the weather is good.
First added by big_kahoona_dan on Jul 30, 2009. Last updated May 1, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
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From I-5 Take Exit 253 for Hwy 22 (Stayton/Detriot). Head East on Hwy 22 for 22 miles. At the second yellow blinking light in Mehama turn left onto North Fork Rd (The Swiss Village Restaurant is on the right hand side of the road). It's 14 miles of paved road until you get to the Willamette National Forest and the road turns to gravel (Turns into Road 2209) After a couple miles you will come to a fork in the road. Stay to the left on Forest Road 2209. There are signs that will be very easy to follow. It's about another 4 miles to the Opal Creek/Jawbone parking area and trail head. Make sure to bring $5 for parking (payable at the trailhead) if you don't have a Northwest Forest Pass.
The pictures do not do this place justice, forest, mountains, bright green water, cliffs... as for the ride, its an access road / hiking trail there is zero difficulty.
| ThankThis ride is all about the scenery. The trail is a double track gravel road that is fairly well maintained. A bit rocky in spots and just a little climbing, but generally smooth and flat.
| ThankThe scenery is almost enough to add a star to the rating though. You will see why the name Opal Creek at the first of many pools along the ride. Beautiful green color just begging you to jump in. You are missing half the fun if you don't. Continuing on, there are several swimming spots and picnic areas to discover as you approach Jawbone Flat. You are required to walk your bike through the community to Opal Pool.
This is a popular trail for hikers (swimmers?). Many families; I saw several on department store bikes. Though the young children were having some problems on the rougher patches and/or climbs they all seemed to be enjoying the ride.