Map showing campground location near Detroit, Oregon

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Opal Pool Campsites

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Getting to Opal Pool Campsites requires commitment. The trailhead sits at the end of a long dirt road, and from there campers hike roughly three miles in to reach the first campsites, all first-come, first-served and positioned near the water. No vehicles reach the camping area, which means gear goes in on your back. There are no bathrooms and no potable water on site. Pets are not permitted.

The draw is Opal Creek itself. The water runs a vivid blue-green through old-growth forest, and swimming holes appear at intervals along the route. The trail begins as a gravel road following the creek, passes through Jawbone Flats, an old mining settlement now used as a nature and history center, and continues past a meadow to the pools. Most campsites cluster about a mile beyond the pools, where the terrain gets rougher and the crowds thin noticeably. Sites sit under dense tree cover, so direct sun is limited. Those who prefer hammocks to tents will find plenty of anchor points.

Crowding is a real planning factor here. Weekends bring enough visitors that the trailhead parking fills entirely, and established sites go fast. Bridget H. notes that "fortunately there is dispersed camping along the river" for those who arrive and find the main sites taken, though these spots may only fit a single tent. For broader options in the region, campsites near Willamette National Forest include more developed alternatives with facilities. Arriving early on a weekday gives the best chance of securing a spot without scrambling.

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Map & DirectionsOpal Pool Campsites is located in Oregon near Detroit

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.84409 N
122.20625 W

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Drive Time

1 hr 20 min from Salem, OR
1 hr 32 min from Albany, OR
1 hr 49 min from Corvallis, OR
2 hrs 1 min from Portland, OR

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Reviews10 Camper Reviews - Opal Pool Campsites

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4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the beautiful natural setting and family-friendly activities, though crowding is a significant concern especially on weekends. Basic facilities are absent, requiring self-sufficient camping preparation.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sarah W.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2020

I regret not coming more

Probably one of my favorite places in Oregon.

Maybe it is the lack of visits that keeps me longing to go back here, but the water was more blue than the Carribean, just 30 degree colder.

Still, the hike is easy and flat, you can swim all along the way at a small pool you find along the creek.

There is an old abandoned village here too that you can explore. Crazy how nature takes over.. pretty apocalyptic looking!

This does get really crowded.. like you may not find parking if you’re hiking kind of crowded. Camping would need to be reserved for sure, so plan ahead and get there early.

(9) View All

Bridget H.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2020

Shady riverside sites

Arrived around 3pm on a Friday to find the campground packed. Fortunately there is dispersed camping along the river. Parked on the side of the road and hikes down to the river and found a decent site. Only enough ground space for one tent but plenty of trees for hammocks. No water or facilities. Nearby hiking trails take you up to the popular 3 pools area.

Ryan R.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2017

Rock jumping and nature

A long dirt road in and nice hike, once you get there it's all worth while with tons of cliffs to jump off and creeks to cool off by. It's all back pack in for the best spots and first come first serve. It can get pretty busy at the trail head so get there early.

Month of VisitJuly

(5) View All

Nichole L.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2017

Backpacking at Opal Creek

Took my kids, some of my friends, and my best friend to go hiking and backpacking. We stayed in a dispersed site near the river past the meadow. Absolutely gorgeous! The staff at Jawbone Flats are helpful and nice. Can't wait to do the Whetstone Loop!

Month of VisitJune

Katie B.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2017

Great, easy backpacking

If you want to test the waters fort backpacking this is a great trail to do it on. Only 3ish miles to the camp sites. All are first come, near water. It's pretty socked in with trees so don't expect Much sun. Highly traveled sites unfortunately. The water is some of the most beautiful I've seen and there is a cute little mining town to explore close by.

Month of VisitJune

Corinna B.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 24, 2016

Fun, Unique Experience

This review is for the cabins at the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, which are in Jawbone Flats, an old abandoned mining town on Opal Creek. You hike a few miles in on a road (cars aren't allowed, though they'll bring your gear in for you). You rent out one of their somewhat rustic cabins, and can also eat food in the group area. Feels like a summer camp, in a good way. Nice for families and friends. Incredible surroundings. There is also primitive camping nearby not associated with the cabins.

(9) View All

Sheila F.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2016

Primitive Camping in an Ancient Forest

Love this place. Great hiking, swimming, camping, and family friendly.

Ana T.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2016

Beautiful Pools, a bit crowded

We went on the weekend so the pools were a bit crowded. There weren't many official places to camp so people seemed to be staking out their own territory. I'd go again but during the week.

(4) View All

Natasha R.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2016

Beautiful, AMAZING!

Worth seeing. Absolutely beautiful. There is so much history here it is nuts.

(4) View All

Raphaela H.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2016

Great Introductory Backpacking Trip

The beauty of the pools at Opal Creek are pretty well known, but it also makes for a nice introductory backpacking experience that ends up being about 4.5 miles each way/day (9 total). The trail starts as a road along the creek and turns into a lollipop hike. One side (that continues as a gravel road) goes to an old mining town, Jawbone Flats, which is now a nature/history learning center with some mining relics. Past a meadow and about a half mile further are the Opal Pools, also popular for taking a dip. The other side is a trail through the woods. We did the woods side the first day and, after camping at Cedar Flats (a mile or so beyond the pools), returned along the road. The majority of the camping spots are about a mile past the pools, although the trail gets a little rougher for this mile. The trail, village, and pools are incredibly popular and very busy, but the backpacking trail beyond was much more what you associate with backpacking. There are no bathrooms or potable water, and fires were not allowed while we were there.

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Opal Creek Campground located in Oregon?

Opal Pool Campsites is located along Opal Creek in Oregon's Willamette National Forest. The campsites are accessible via a hiking trail that begins as a gravel road along the creek and turns into a lollipop-style trail. It's approximately 3-4.5 miles from the trailhead to the camping area, making it a backcountry camping experience. Near the campground is Jawbone Flats, a historic abandoned mining town that now houses the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, providing a unique cultural element to the natural beauty.

Can you swim at Opal Pool near the campground?

Yes, swimming is one of the main attractions at Opal Pool! The water is incredibly clear with a striking blue color that rivals Caribbean waters (though much colder). There are numerous swimming holes along Opal Creek, including pools with cliff jumping opportunities. The pristine water quality and natural rock formations make this a spectacular swimming destination during warm weather. Many visitors consider it one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Oregon.

What permits or reservations do you need for camping at Opal Creek?

Camping at Opal Pool Campsites is first-come, first-served with no advance reservations available for the dispersed sites along the creek. However, you'll want to arrive early, especially on weekends, as the limited campsites fill quickly. There are no formal facilities at the dispersed sites. For those seeking more established accommodations, the cabins at Jawbone Flats (part of the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center) can be reserved, and they will even transport your gear. Always check with forest service officials for current permit requirements before your trip.

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