Located in the Opal Creek Wilderness, the Henline Falls Trail is a one-of-a-kind hike that’ll lead you through stunning scenery to a majestic waterfall and an eerily abandoned gold mine hidden away deep in the woods. This short, gorgeous hike is truly extraordinary, and it’ll give you a taste of Oregon’s natural waterfall beauty and fascinating history. Check it out:
Tucked away in the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area is the little-known Henline Falls Trail, a 1.8-miles out-and-back trail that leads to a stunning waterfall as well as an abandoned mine shaft.
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
The trail takes off from the Henline Falls Trailhead and winds along a lovely old forest road through a dense, emerald green forest. You’ll keep left to branch onto the Henline Falls Trail #3348.
flickr/ LotsaSmiles Photography
Soon you’ll stumble upon the incredible Henline Falls, a 125-foot cascade that will take your breath away. The water pours over a rock wall into a lovely creek dotted with small, cool pools that you can wade into on hot summer days.
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
Just beside the waterfall are the remains of the abandoned Silver King Mine, a deep tunnel carved into the rock wall.
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
You can duck into this eerie, fascinating gold mine, although there is a closed metal gate blocking off the tunnel after about 60 feet.
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
After spending some time checking out the area, you can turn around and head back along the trail the way you came.
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
This short, scenic hike in Oregon is one of a kind.
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
Find out how to get to the Henline Falls Trailhead via this interactive Google map.
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
flickr/ LotsaSmiles Photography
The Opal Creek Wilderness is home to all kinds of amazing hiking trails, swimming holes, and abandoned mining equipment. The Opal Creek-Jawbone Flats Trail includes all three of those things. Find out more about it here.
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