Nestled into a beautiful old growth forest, Jawbone Flats is a little-known, off-the-grid ghost town that was used as a mining camp for more than 100 years. Nowadays, this incredible place offers the unique experience of renting a renovated historic cabin for an overnight getaway like no other. Check it out:
Jawbone Flats is an incredible old mining village tucked away in the Opal Creek Wilderness, where you can hike, swim, experience Oregon’s mining history, and more.
flickr/ Donaleen
For a truly unforgettable experience, hike into town and spend a couple nights in one of the historic yet comfortable Jawbone Flats cabins.
Flickr/ Sam Szapucki
To get there, you’ll take a peaceful 3 mile hike along the Opal Creek Trail through an emerald green forest along the glittering North Santiam river.
flickr/ Ian Sane
Along the way, you’ll pass lovely swimming holes, an abandoned mine, and even some rusted mining equipment here and there, being slowly reclaimed by nature.
flickr/ Jody Valente
As you enter Jawbone Flats, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
flickr/ Donaleen
Many of the buildings in town date back to the 1930s, and the whole place has a woodsy, historic atmosphere.
flickr/ Jody Valente
Mixed in with educational facilities, a kitchen, a store, and a few private houses, the rental cabins are have electricity, running water, a wood stove, beds, a cooking stove, a refrigerator, and more. You’ll have to bring your own sleeping bag, towels, and food (or you can stop by the main kitchen to buy a tasty vegetarian meal). You can hike in your own luggage, or opt to have it shuttled in.
flickr/ Donaleen
Just a stone’s throw from the tiny town is the amazing Opal Pool, one of Oregon’s most enchanting, pristine swimming holes.
flickr/ Donaleen
This ancient forest has been inhabited for thousands of years, and was originally used by the Santiam Molalla Native Americans. In 1859, miners discovered gold and by 1930 the mining camp of Jawbone Flats was built. It was used for mining until 1992, when the mines were eventually closed and the abandoned town was gifted to the Friends of Opal Creek organization.
flickr/ Brendon Connelly
It’s an incredible place to get off the grid and relax in a beautiful setting.
flickr/ Max Rae
Cabins can be rented for two nights at the least. Depending on the time of year and which cabin you choose, rates can range from $125-375. To find out more about renting a cabin, call (503) 892-2782 or check out this website.
flickr/ Donaleen
Flickr/ Sam Szapucki
flickr/ Ian Sane
flickr/ Jody Valente
flickr/ Brendon Connelly
flickr/ Max Rae
Have you ever been to Jawbone Flats before? Let us know what you thought in the comments.
Find out more about the Opal Creek Trail here.
Find out about amazing summer day trips in Oregon here
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