Opal Creek Expeditions

Our summer program offerings are known as Opal Creek Expeditions. All of these camps spend at least one night out in the field, and most are wilderness based and spend only one night in Jawbone Flats. Our backpacking programs give kids the chance to fully immerse themselves in the natural world. Nothing compares to sleeping under the stars at night, climbing steep ridge lines for magnificent views of the surrounding areas, and carrying everything needed on their backs.  These experiences change kids, giving them confidence and a greater understanding of the wild places that are vital to our ecology.

Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest as a whole, provides tremendous educational opportunities through the diverse ecosytems that are present.  Opal Creek Expeditions is designed to take students to the far reaches of the Opal Creek watershed and beyond, traveling through different habitats, for the purpose of comparative ecology studies. Check back regularly, as our program continues to grow we will venture into new locales for comparitive ecology trips.

All Opal Creek Expeditions follow leave no trace principles and maintain a staff to student ratio of 1:5. 

Below is the schedule for Opal Creek Expeditions for 2010.

A complete gear list will be sent on registration. If there are items you do not already own, REI rents equipment at several locations.

Beginning Backpack

    Our back country experienced and WFR certified instructional staff will be the guides on this first time backpacking adventure. Learn about backpack and outdoor skills as you hike among the tall trees of the ancient forest. We will learn and practice safe wilderness travel skills including cooking on a camp stove, packing for a backpacking trip, map and compass skilss, and knot tying. We will have plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear4 waters that surround Opal Creek. The first two nights will be spent in Jawbone Flats, preapring and practicing some basic skills around camp. The crew will then head off to explore some of the most beauriful parts of the watershed. Opal Creek will provide all food; participants are responsible for their own gear. A full gear list will be sent upon registration. Join us on this fantastic introduction to backpacking in one of the most beautiful forests in Oregon.

Peaks of Opal Creek

Lakes of Bull of the Woods

Tributaries of Elk Lake Creek

    Climb over Battle Ax Mountain for an incredible view of the Cascades and descend to find the blue waters of Elk Lake. Float in the warm water before throwing your pack on and following the sparkling creek that feeds the Collawash River. Chase the stream as it tumbles and turns through the stands of centuries old fir, hemlock and cedar trees. The flora is lush along riparian zones and huckleberries will be ripe for the picking this time of year. This is the only backpacking trip where snorkels are an essential item and we will pace ourselves to allow for regular dips into the streams throughout the day. We will study changing water conditions using biological monitoring and chemical testing techniques. Each bend in the river is more beautiful than the last, and these mountain stream systems only reveal themsellves to those who travel on foot. We will practice safe wilderness travel skills including knot tying, map and compass skills, GPS skills, and wilderness medicine. Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center will provide all the food; participants are responsible for their own gear.

Wilderness Survival at Opal Creek

 If you were lost in the mountains would you know how to take care of yourself? Spend six days in the old growth forests of the western Cascades to learn and practice the skills and knowledge needed to take care of yourself and others in mountainous areas. Obtain safe drinking water and learn techniques for purification. Pitch tents and emergency shelters. Make rope out of plants and learn to tie basic knots. Practice wilderness first aid skills. Learn to properly use a map and compass as well as a GPS system to help navigate your way. Swim and snorkle in the Little North Fork of the Santiam River and learn proper water safety techniques. We will base our explorations from Jawbone Flats, our historic mining town in the heart of the Opal Creek Wilderness. Test the skills you have learned when we spend one night camped out in the ancient forest a couple of miles from camp. There will be plenty of time for making new friends and sharing stories under the stars.

Fly Fishing and Freshwater Ecology 

August 15-20, 2010

    Educational Recreational Adventures (ERA) and Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center have joined forces to offer a week of quality fly fishing instruction for native rainbow trout in spectacular waters within an ancient forest. Join Jeff Gottfried and other ERA staff to learn to rig a fly rod, tie knots, choose the right fly for the right conditions, identify aquatic insects and ties flies that represent them, read water, and other fly fishing skills. Hike along and wade in the Little North Fork of the Santiam, Opal Creek, Battle Axe Creek and Opal Lake as we pursue, catch, photograph, and release wild trout. No fly fishing experience necessary. This program will be geared toward first time fly fishers. If you want to learn to fly fish, this is the place for you. In addition to all the fly fishing and tying gear, Jeff will also bring bows, arrows, atlatls, and targets, just for variety.

Watershed Navigation of Opal Creek

    Circumnavigate the Opal Creek Wilderness Area for a unique perspective on this entirely protected watershed. We will start at Opal Lake and hike along French Creek Ridge down to Beachie Saddle. Spend the night blanketed under the starry sky, learn constellations and their stories. As we make our way around the watershed, we will explore the ecosytem, investigating connections between the lush forest and the pristine mountain streams. You will learn about local flora and fauna as we dip into lakes and traverse steep ridges. This area has a rich history that we will discuss in context as we hike through the tall trees that inspired people to conserve it. We will learn safe wilderness travel kills, including cooking on a camp stove, packing for a backpacking trip, using a map and compass, and GPS and practicing wilderness medecine. Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center will provide all of the food and participants are responsible for their own gear.

Family Opal Creek Wilderness Backpack

   Have you always wanted to explore the ancient forests of Oregon more deeply, but don’t feel comfortable backpacking on your own?  Bring your family and join our WFR certified staff to spend the last weekend of summer away from the crowds, walking through remote reaches of the Opal Creek Wilderness. On our first day we will work hard, hiking through some rugged terrain before arriving at our peaceful base camp. The rest of the weekend we will spend our days hiking under the tall trees, swimming in the serene lakes, and playing games in camp. Throughout the trip, we will learn about the amazing ecology of Pacific Northwest forests and the conservation history of the Opal Creek area. A new moon on the 8^th means conditions should be perfect for stargazing; you won’t believe how many constellations will be visible so far from human habitation! Much of Opal Creek remains untouched, and the only way to see it is by foot.

Participants will hit the trail Friday afternoon after backpacking preparation in Jawbone is complete. Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center will provide all food, but participants will need to provide all backpacking gear.  A detailed list will be sent upon registration.