This summer, we are thrilled to expand our reach across Oregon’s most iconic wilderness areas.
Oh the places we’ll go! Youth ages 10-17 years old can explore the Ochocos, Strawberries, and Elkhorn Mountains, or the Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Areas. With a variety of expeditions catering to different age groups, difficulty levels, duration and interests—including new trips for 2026—there’s something for everyone. From glacial treks to lakeside adventures and river paddles, our 1:5 guide-to-camper ratio ensures every participant gains confidence, backcountry skills, and a deep connection to the natural world.
For the first time after the Beachie Creek fire, adults can join us in Jawbone Flats and the Opal Creek Wilderness for a 4-day, 3-night unique and rewarding outdoor adventure experience. Adult expeditions launch from Salem, with an optional shuttle from Portland, and include specialized trips like BIPOC, Women, and LGBTQ+affinity groups, as well as Backpacking Fundamentals for anyone interested in learning how to backpack in a group setting.
We believe the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. Opal Creek provides all essential group gear—including tents, stoves, and water filters—and offers a full gear library for personal items like backpacks and sleeping bags. To further break down barriers, we provide partial and full scholarships ranging from 15% to 100% of tuition, for people with financial barriers to tuition as well as people of demographics and identities that limit access to the outdoors.
Jawbone Flats Cabin and Tent Site Rentals:
After years of restoration and cleanup from the Beachie Creek fire, the 15-acre inholding of Jawbone Flats is pulsing with new life. Visors can witness the renewal firsthand by booking an exclusive retreat in our bunkhouse-style cabin or our brand-new primitive riverfront tent sites. While the surrounding federal wilderness remains closed to the general public, our Jawbone rentals offer a rare, safe way to experience the silver snags and vibrant green regrowth of this resilient landscape.
BOOK NOW: Cabin & Tent Site Rentals
It’s going to be an incredible summer, and we can’t wait to see you on the trails!
-The Opal Creek Team
For Youth & Adult Expeditions:
- (503) 892-2782, ext. 1
- expeditions@opalcreek.org
For Cabin and Tent Site Rentals:
- (503) 892-2782, ext. x4
- jawboneflats@opalcreek.org
