Backpacking Opal Creek

August 11th, 2008

It’s been a LONG time since I updated this stupid blog and LOTS has happened. Instead of trying to catch up, which I will, I’ll pick up with the most recent of events…this past weekend’s trip to Opal Creek!

I’ve always been a fan of tight canyon type creeks, especially when they’re filled with the clearest, cleanest water you could imagine. To make things even better, add a pinch of great weather, a dash of good friends, a slice of the best campsite known to man and viola! You have the ingredients for great outdoor fun.

Let’s start with the basics of backpacking. For anyone who has strapped 40-50 pounds on their back and walked for great distances, you already know that EVERY ounce counts. This is why it’s important to pack as few clothes as possible and instead stock up on food, beer, whiskey, tequila and other camp favorites. One might ask, “Tom, why pack so much liquor and ‘extras’ instead of clothes and other important things?” Well, the answer is simple. When you get done “hiking” (or death march as I like to call it) you’ll be much happier with the only medicine that will ease your pain. In fact, you might actually drink so much that you’ll forget that you even hiked that day…what bliss! Take that extra underwear!

Opal Creek is south of Hood River by about 130 miles, dead center in the Cascade Range. It’s a small, crystal clear creek that empties into the North Fork of the Santiam River, another Oregon gem. Gary, Abe, Nicole, April and I set out on a 5 mile trek to find a campsite some where in the vicinity of Cedar Flats. Lucky for us, we struck campsite gold before ever getting there. The ultimate in campsites made this trip truly amazing! Enough with words, lets get to some pictures and videos.

April, Abe, Nicole and Gary chillin’ at our kick-ass camp site!

Our private waterfalls and swimming pool…water doesn’t get clearer than this.

Abe trying his hand at some fly fishing just upstream a few steps…another fun waterfall and a place to jump!

Click the image above to see a video of me jumping off the little rock.

April after a few drinks!

Gary and April attempting to polish off the bottle of Bushmills.

Cooper is cold and wet but always up for an adventure.

Click the image above to see April sliding down the falls.

Click the above image to view 4 jack-asses.

During the hike out we passed through an old mining camp called Jaw Bone Flats. Lots of old trucks and machinery are laying around. Very weird and very cool.

Ice cold Rainiers were waiting for us when we hiked back out to our cars. A worn out crew ready for another adventure…just a week away! From right to left: Gary, Lahina, April, Nicole, Abe

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