Jawbone Rentals

Reconnect with Jawbone Flats

Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center invites you to return to the heart of a resilient landscape through a series of guided retreat experiences at Jawbone Flats. In this breathtaking season of renewal, vibrant green regrowth rises against the silver backdrop of the post-fire forest — a living reminder of transformation, resilience, and reciprocity.

Whether you are returning to reconnect or visiting for the first time, this is an opportunity to witness a cherished landscape in beautiful transformation.

We are currently offering 3-Day, 2-Night or 2-Day, 1-Night Cabin & Tent Site Rentals from June through September.

To register, click the BOOK NOW button below. If you have questions, contact us at (503) 892-2782 ext. 4 or  jawboneflats@opalcreek.org

During Your Stay

Guests are invited to slow down, reconnect, and immerse themselves in the rhythms of the forest through shared meals, guided experiences, and time spent in community.

    • Immerse yourself in the landscape through guided hikes
    • Gather with fellow travelers for evening reflection and storytelling
    • Dip your toes into the iconic jewel-toned waters of the North Fork Santiam River
    • Learn about wildfire ecology, restoration, and the history of Jawbone Flats
    • Reconnect with the warmth and spirit of the Opal Creek community
    • Share nourishing meals with fellow guests in an off-grid wilderness setting

3-Day, 2-Night excursions also include an optional guided hike to the unburned Battle Ax Trail, offering a rare opportunity to witness the dramatic contrast between burned and unburned forest ecosystems firsthand.

Physical Considerations & Accessibility

We warmly welcome participants of many backgrounds and experience levels; however, guests should understand that Jawbone Flats is currently accessible only by hiking into a remote wilderness setting.

Participants should feel comfortable:

    • Hiking approximately 3 miles while carrying personal gear
    • Walking on uneven terrain
    • Spending time in a recovering burn-zone environment
    • Participating in an off-grid experience with limited infrastructure

The trail includes natural obstacles, changing weather conditions, and sections with limited shade exposure.

If you have questions about whether this experience is a good fit for your needs or abilities, we encourage you to reach out. We are happy to discuss the physical demands of the trip and help participants make informed decisions.

Stewardship & Safety

Every trip to Jawbone Flats is staffed by experienced Opal Creek personnel, including Wilderness First Responder-certified staff trained to manage emergencies in remote environments.

Safety measures currently include:

    • Staff-guided access
    • Ongoing hazard mitigation
    • Emergency communication systems
    • Continuous coordination with land management agencies
    • Campfires are strictly prohibited within Jawbone Flats and the surrounding recreation area.

As guests in a recovering landscape, we ask all participants to help care for this place by traveling thoughtfully, respecting closures, minimizing waste, and leaving the forest better than they found it.

Cancellation Policy

Upon reservation, you'll pay a 25% deposit of the trip total. Your deposit reservation is fully refundable at least 60 days out from the trip start date. Within 60 days, this deposit is no longer refundable. If this is a problem for you, we strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. Visit SquareMouth to get a quote from many different trip insurance providers. If you'd like "cancel for any reason" insurance, there's usually a requirement that you acquire it within a short window after booking your trip.

Questions?

To learn more, contact us at
📞 (503) 892-2782 ext. 4
📧 jawboneflats@opalcreek.org

View our Cabin Rental FAQ's or  Tent Site Rental FAQ's.

The Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area remain closed to the public by order of the Willamette National Forest. Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center is a private landowner within the Willamette NF and operates under a special use permit to access our inholding.