Marion County

There is a place that sounds magical to the ears: Opal Creek.  I occasionally have read articles about Opal Creek in Sunset magazine, newspapers, or perhaps also AAA magazine.  It sounds magical.  Old growth trees along a small creek set in the Cascade range.

So it made the cut list for 36 county must-see list.  Perhaps I would have been more moved if the weather wasn't so damn hot.  And if the road wasn't closed and not having to take a windy hilly detour road.

But we went on a hot, dusty day and took a hilly detour.  One thing we joked about in the car was that the detour was fake and we were going to be robbed and left with nothing and all wearing barrels from suspenders.  Kids love that crap.

It was a nice hike despite the heat and we got to see an old mill that had an interesting, albeit short story.  The road to the mill was along a steep road, and the mill operated for about 2 years.  When the second log truck fell off the side of the mountain, they decided it was a good time to shut'er down.  They left a lot of bits behind that helps bring the site alive.  There a mineshaft along the road that provided a chilly draft that was welcome.

Opal Creek lumber mill relic

One of my continuing challenges in 36 counties is always having to keep an eye on the clock.  I have a job that I need to get back to.  Just when I am getting into exploring an area, it is time to move on to the camp, another site or back home.  On this hike, we had to turn around at the mill and head to our campsite instead of seeing more of the place.

All natural air conditioning!