This Wilderness Area offers hiking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, picnicking, photography and mountain biking.

Presently there are eight trails totaling 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. Three trailheads, Henline Falls-Ogle Mountain, Henline Mountain and Nasty Rock trails are along the road.

: Elevations on the Forest range from about 1,500 feet above sea level to 10,495 feet at the snowcapped top of Mt. Jefferson, Oregon's second highest peak. Climate on the Willamette changes with elevation. The area receives a high amount of precipitation. Much of the precipitation comes from October to April in the form of rain at the low elevations and as wet heavy snow in the higher elevations. Although snow is possible in the lowest elevations, it is infrequent. Late spring, summer and early autumn tend to bring clear, sunny days with moderate temperatures.

Location: 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. 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 prohibited on trails off of the road.)

Contact Info: Detroit Ranger StationHC73 Box 320Mill CityOR97360503-854-3366