The Little Town Near Portland That Might Just Be The Most Unique Town In The World

Back in the late 1850s, miners first came to this area in what is now known as the Opal Creek Ancient Forest and found gold. Years later, after discovering the area was rich in copper, lead and zinc, they set up camp in the early 1930s and turned this swath of land in to a full fledged mining community.

On the trails out to this old community, not much remains today.

Relics of a time past are everywhere, as if time just stood still and the people flooded out.

Located about 22 miles east of Salem, this small community is in a world of its own in the woods.

Once a thriving mining community, today all that stands is a cluster of cabins, a mining store, and an astounding number of old cars.

The mining community existed until the 1990s, when it was shut down and abandoned.

Today, the area is run by the Opal Creek Ancient Forest and is only accessible by a three-mile hike due to its remote location.

What was once a bustling community, is now a place to escape from city life into remote nature.

It is a display of history and nature in one spot.

This remote community might just be one of the most interesting in the area for both its past and present contribution to the forest.

If you want to explore a truly unique area, head to this tiny town on the edge of the ancient forest. Be sure to plan your adventure from April to the beginning of November when the roads leading out to the are typically free of snow and open.