20.5 miles of hiking • 4250' elevation gain •
Awesome loop through a beautiful forest, past glorious opal blue streams, with a payout of 7- or 8-volcano view, lots of history, and incredible old growth. All spent with a great new trail friend.
We took the loop clockwise, climbing up to Whetstone Mountain first. It was a gentle approach, similar to many in the gorge. The views on top were pretty darn nice, stretching from Mount Adams to the Three Sisters. Easy to see why there used to be a lookout here.
The trail then continued along a ridge before descending to cross Battle Ax Creek. We lingered at the crossing for some time, as it was just drop-dead gorgeous. Perfect spot for a lunch break!
From there, we followed an old mining road back down to Jawbone Flats and Opal Pool. Along the way, we passed the remains of several abandoned mines; something I simply must go back and examine in better detail sometime!
Opal Creek (& Pool) are just indescribably beautiful. Can't believe it took this long to get there! After enjoying the creekside setting for far too long, we meandered back into Jawbone Flats and explored all around there. Very cool old company town, that's now a high-rent resort with some science and education going on as well.
Then it was another five miles or so back to the trailhead, though an ancient forest with some trees over 1000 years old. Oh my gosh. What a day. Allow far more time than you imagine necessary, if you do this loop!
Woodswalker
July 26, 2015
It's a beautiful area. It's probably been more than 20 years since I've been there.