Opal Creek (10/4/09)

Because we're usually looking for maximum elevation gain, we've missed out on many popular area hikes, like Opal Creek off Highway 22 east of Salem. Brad mentioned that he was interested in checking it out, and Michael said he'd been wanting to go, too. So we made a date to go the first weekend of October to check out fall colors. Michael and Kendra brought the whole fam.
The leaves were starting to change and the temps were low, making it a very fallish day!

What's Brad looking at?

A beautiful waterfall!

We took our time, taking in all the sights along the 3.5-mile gravel road. At the end, we picnicked at Jawbone Flats, a Depression-area mining camp. You can rent cabins at the camp... we may come back and do that sometime! Click HERE to read more about it.

Opal Pool was a short walk from the camp. We stopped to admire the view before heading back.
Brad and I returned on the narrow trail on the other side of the creek while the rest of the group opted for the stroller-friendly road.

It was a beautiful hike and fairly close to town. I can see why it's so popular!
:)