Can you reserve a site at Opal Creek Trailhead (Gate)?

No. Opal Creek Trailhead (Gate) is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Opal Creek Trailhead (Gate)

Facility · Oregon ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Willamette National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1,910 ft
Elevation

This trailhead provides access for:

These trails provide access to Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area and Opal Creek Wilderness.

Getting there

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 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.

44.85983, -122.26434 · 44°51'35.4"N 122°15'51.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 81°F in Aug, down to 43°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	43	47	52	57	65	71	80	81	74	61	49	43
Low °F	36	37	38	41	46	51	56	56	53	47	40	37
Precip in	13.1	10.0	10.7	8.6	6.0	3.8	0.7	0.9	2.8	8.0	13.5	15.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Add a photo

Common questions about Opal Creek Trailhead (Gate)

Can you reserve a site at Opal Creek Trailhead (Gate)?: No. Opal Creek Trailhead (Gate) is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Opal Creek Trailhead (Gate)

Shady Cove 2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Elk Lake (OR) 7.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Gold Butte Lookout 9.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site 10.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Opal Creek Wilderness less than 0.1 mi · Facility
Three Pools Day Use Area 2.8 mi · Facility
Pechuck Lookout 5.4 mi · Facility
Elk Lake Campground 7.2 mi · Campground
Bagby Campground 8 mi · Campground
Upper Arm Day Use Area 9.8 mi · Facility
Detroit Ranger District (US Highway 22) 10.5 mi · Facility
Detroit Lake 10.5 mi · Facility

Comments

Contact

Info Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.