Our Story
Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, (a non-profit 501c 3 organization), was founded in 1989 as Friends of Opal Creek to gain protection of the Opal Creek watershed for future generations to study and enjoy, a goal we achieved in 1996. Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center maintains and stewards Jawbone Flats, a rejuvenated historic mining town in the heart of the 35,000-acre ancient forest watershed of the Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area. We are located on the west slope of the Cascade Mountains, one hour east of Salem, Oregon and approximately two hours from Portland, two and a half from Eugene and three from Bend.
While the heart of our operations is in Jawbone Flats, we also maintain an office downtown Portland:
Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center
1220 SW Morrison Street, Suite 527
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 892-2782
Our Mission
"To promote ancient forest stewardship through educational experiences inspired by Opal Creek's natural and cultural history."
Our Facilities
The Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center offers lodging to accommodate various sized groups during our programming season, which runs from mid-April to mid-November. All our cabins are rustic in nature and very comfortable. They provide wood heat, electricity, hot running water and full bathrooms (including showers). We request that you bring your own sleeping bags to use on the beds, bath towels, toiletries (shampoo and soap), and that you leave your pets at home. See accommodations page for cabin descriptions and pricing.
Our Merchandise
Learn to identify the wide variety of amphibians that call Opal Creek home with our amphibians guide. Hike the trails with comfidence using a USFS map that covers both Opal Creek and The Bull of the Woods Wilderness to the north. Sorry, all other Opal Creek gear is available only at the Company Store in Jawbone Flats.
Other Information