Visit the Head of Jack Creek

One of the problems with living in an area so abundant in natural beauty is that it's sometimes hard to take it all in. Where to begin? Central Oregon has some great secret spots and some...not so secret.

The birthplace of Jack Creek probably lies somewhere in between, yet I've talked to people who have never heard of the place. Although overshadowed by the larger and better-known Headwaters of the Metolius, Jack Creek's headwaters possess the same kind of mystique. At Jack Creek, however, it's possible to walk right up to the very spot where the stream gurgles fully formed from the hillside.

As with the Metolius River and most of its other tributaries, Jack Creek has its origins in the winter snows of the Cascade Range. The snowmelt, however, doesn't simply run along the surface. Rather, it seeps down through the volcanic soils and rock to emerge somewhere else.

In the Metolius Basin, basalt lava flows have been overlaid by alluvial deposits of sediment and gravel. Cracks in the underground basalt layers serve as aquifers to bring the Cascade melt waters back to the surface. In the case of the Metolius Basin, the cracks tend to deliver their water flow at about the same elevation level. Most, like Jack Creek, are on the west side of the river.

To observe the phenomenon, there are two trails to choose from. One is easy; the other is really easy.

Drive west from Sisters on Highway 20 for about 12 miles. Turn right onto the (paved) Jack Lake Road (Forest Road 12). Do not take the subsequent Jack Lake turnoff (about a mile on the left); instead, continue on Road 12 for a total of a little more than four miles. At that point, the road curves to the right; take the Jack Creek turnoff to the left (Road 1230). It's easy to fly by here if you're not paying attention. The Jack Creek Road crosses the Jack Creek Bridge in just a few hundred yards, and the pavement ends.

To take the easy trail, park at the west end of the Jack Creek Campground and follow the wide, flat, smooth trail upstream for about one mile. The trail isn't paved, but it's about as close as you can get to a sidewalk in the woods. To stretch out the hike a little, you can leave your car near the bridge and walk along the creek through the campground, for a round trip of about three miles.

For the really easy walk, turn left after crossing the bridge onto Forest Road 1232, a good gravel road. Drive about a mile and watch for well-marked left turns to "Head of Jack Creek." Follow the signs to the parking area. This is a fee use area ($5) with a self-service deposit box. A very easy trail leads to the headwaters only a quarter of a mile away.

The B&B Fire touched the area on the north side of the creek, and the effects are still quite apparent. Quite a few trees have fallen, but the Forest Service recently cut through the deadfalls to provide easy access. The creek area itself is still green and untouched, and mammoth old-growth pines and firs tower over the headwaters.

Deer and elk may be seen in the area, and wildflowers are blooming. Both trails are perfect for a relaxing stroll and for introducing children to hikes in the woods. It's even suitable for toddlers. Just short of the headwaters is a well-maintained foot bridge if you wish to explore the opposite stream bank. Otherwise, continue on a short distance to the trail's end at the headwaters.