Posted in Portland
August 25, 2016
This Place Near Portland Is Being Reclaimed By Mother Nature
Deep in the woods of the Opal Creek Forest lies the remains of a once bustling mining town. In 1859, gold was found in the area, kicking off the subsequent century-long mining operation, but Jawbone Flats has even deeper roots. The area is thought to have been a summer camp for the Santiam Mollala Indians, as well as a well-used trade route for local tribes. Native American artifacts dating back 2000 years have been found throughout the area. Today, the remnants of the area’s more recent mining past remain on display as the forest grows on around them.
The hike to reach this abandoned town is 6.6 miles round trip, but you will travel through some truly epic old-growth forest dating back hundreds of years.
Before you reach Jawbone Flats, you will pass Merten Mill, another relic from a time long ago.
You will know when you reach Jawbone Flats, as you will see its time-tested parking lot.
Mining at the camp began in 1930, and the cars represent that era.
President Roosevelt's New Deal in 1939 played a role in helping to build some of the mining roads here, along with the Gold Creek Bridge.
The mining camp was successful in producing lead, zinc, copper, and silver from its modest outpost.
In 1989, Friends of Opal Creek was established to help preserve the forest and ecosystem in the area.
By 1992, all mining in the area was stopped and the last was given to the Friends of Opal Creek for preservation purposes.
In 1996, a federal judgment returned the land to public use, and the forest has grown in popularity, hosting upwards of 20,000 visitors each year.
For a fun walk through history, take this easy hike to see a little glimpse of Oregon's mining past being reclaimed by the forest.
Have you checked out this old mining town near Portland?
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