Opal Creek Trailhead (Gate)
Opal Creek Trailhead provides access to trails in Opal Creek Wilderness, including Whetstone Mountain Trail # 3369, Kopetski / Opal Creek Trail #4187, and Battle Ax Creek Trail #3339.
General Information
Year round, weather dependent.
Open 24 hours/day
- Wilderness regulations apply past the gate.
- Wilderness Self-Issue Permit required for both day use and overnight stays from June 15 through October 15. Free permits are self-issued at the trailhead.
- Recreation Passes may be used as a form of fee payment.
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
- The Northwest Forest Pass and interagency recreation passes are valid at this location.
- Download the Recreation.gov mobile app prior to your trip so you can pay the fee onsite with Scan and Pay.
- No cash or checks accepted on site.
Within developed recreation sites, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. 36 CFR 261.16(j)
Address: 44125 North Santiam Highway SE Detroit, OR 97342
Phone: (503) 854-3366
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.mf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.859799
Longitude: -122.26464
Directions
From Salem, travel East on Highway 22 to milepost 23 at the Swiss Village Restaurant. Turn left on North Fork Road, which is marked "Little North Santiam Recreation Area". Travel about 21 miles on Forest Service Road 2209 to the Opal Creek Trailhead parking area.
To access Kopetski / Opal Creek Trail, hike approximately 3 miles up the road past the gate. Opal Creek Trail will begin with a foot-bridge crossing the Little North Santiam River on the right.
To access Whetstone Mountain Trail, hike approximately ¾ of a mile up the road past the gate and the Whetstone Mountain Trailhead will be on the left.
To access Battle Ax Creek Trail, continue traveling on old Forest Service Road 2209 for approximately 4 miles. At the Whetstone / Battle Ax junction, stay to the right.
Parking
Limited parking available.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
