Opal Trail Oregon

Lakeview C.G in Detroit Lake Oregon was our “home” for the next 3 days, I must add that the prices of the C.G on the lake are outrages and have nothing to do with what they offer , so try to keep away from this place unless you want to pay 50US$ and more.

Any how we got stuck during the weekend here and got an offer of 40US$ and stayed.

After settling down we took a short drive to see the area, it sure is beautiful.

We got back to the C.G and planned to start early in the morning towards the Opal Creek after being warned that the parking area is limited and gets full especially on weekends .

Next morning we were at the parking are at 8AM, the weather was just right hiking the Opal easy hike section of 6 Miles round trip.

By the way this popular trail that was supposed to be crowded in the week end –was not, we counted like 20 people in 4 hours….

At the end of this section we reached an old minnig town in Jawbone Flats that was reconstucted by Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center and Opal Pools.

On the way back to the parking lot we did a side trip to the Sawmill Falls .

Here is the place to mention that the Forest Service does not put signs on the main trail and you have to explore to find directions to falls or other hikes, kind of strange but a fact at least on the Opal Trail.

We were lucky to meet a ranger that directed us to the Sawmill Falls he showed us  a side path with no signs from the main Trail, could never guess it leads to the falls, wow imagine missing this….

In the area we found an old entrance to a mine that was blocked by a metal door, but no sign with an explanation.

We ended this part of the trail after 5 hours at the parking lot then drove the trail head of Henline Falls , again no sing showing to the falls only a sign saying "Entering Opal Creek Wilderness" and hiked 2 miles round trip to this beautiful falls.

It was about the time to catch some snack and 3 pools offered a picnic area and a beach

We had a great day and were ready to hit “home” at 5PM but unfortunately on HWY 22 we were witness to a head on collation accident by 2 cars , one died and 2 wounded....it took almost 5 hours till we could continue on the way, sad ending to a great day.

            

Must end this post with a more possitive atmosphere.