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.
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.
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