Opal Creek December 9 2011

Jean and I hiked this 7 mile partial loop trail on the most fantastic winter day.  We had the trail to ourselves and everything was covered in frost.  The trail is accessed off of Hwy 22 in Mehama.  After driving about 15 miles on paved Little North Fork road, continue for another 5 on gravel.  The road is very easy to follow.
The trail is the road for 2.2 miles when it crosses the creek on a bridge and heads into the forest.  We turned around at Opal Pool but we could have gone on for another 1.5 miles.  Another time. 

 Opal Creek

 this frost is 1-2 inches high and covered the bridge

 beargrass on ice

 these were "growing" out of the ground like mushrooms

some areas were untouched by the frost and very lush and green

 Sawmill Falls was surreal

 rocks at Sawmill Falls

 Jean in an old building and on the wet trail

 these were huge!

 Opal Pool

Old cars at Jawbone Flats