The Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center stands as a monument to the past. Two-thousand-year-old artifacts from the original Native American inhabitants have been found there.

In 1859, gold was discovered in the mountains, and miners came to settle in the mining town known as Jawbone Flats. In the 1990’s, over 30,000 acres of wilderness was combined into a national preserve, the Opal Creek Ancient Forest.

Today, the Jawbone Flats town has been restored and preserved, and the forest contains hiking trails, campgrounds, and cabin rentals.

They also offer expeditions, workshops, and educational courses to promote conservation and stewardship for people of all ages.

Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, 721 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 236, Portland, OR 97209, Phone: 503-892-2782

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