Jack Creek Trail an easy trail option for smoky days

With much of our local hiking area in flames yet again - and considering a steady deluge of news reports about air quality and health concerns, it's easy to be discouraged about outdoor opportunities. This past weekend, though, we selected a nice quiet forest walk along Jack Creek where there was no smoke.

Although overshadowed by the larger and better-known Headwaters of the Metolius, the birthplace of Jack Creek possesses 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, years later - usually many miles from its origin.

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 meltwaters 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 Metolius River.

To observe the phenomenon and get a close-up look at the headwaters, there are two trails to choose from. One is easy; the other is really easy.

To take the easy trail, park at the west end of the Jack Creek Campground and follow the wide, flat, smooth trail upstream for one mile. The trail isn't paved, but it's about as close as you can get to a sidewalk in the woods; although it's rather dry and dusty right now.

To lengthen this hike to about a three-mile round trip, you can leave your car near the Jack Creek Bridge and walk along the creek and through the campground. The sound of the creek is always within earshot, and the forest is beautiful.

For the really easy walk, there is another access point, from which the headwaters can be reached at the end of a very well-maintained trail that is hardly more than a quarter of a mile from the parking lot.

The 2003 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 has cut through the deadfalls to provide easy access. The creek area itself is still green and many untouched, and mammoth, old-growth pines and firs tower over the headwaters and the access trails.

Along the creek we observed an evergreen tree with berries very closely resembling salmon eggs. The little fruits are actually called arils and are found on the interesting little Pacific yew tree. The dense and resilient wood from yew trees makes excellent archery bows and canoe paddles; and its bark was once used in the production of tamoxifen, a breast cancer inhibitor. Tamoxifen is now synthetically produced.

Deer and elk may be seen in the area, and a few wildflowers are still blooming. Both trails are perfect for a relaxing stroll and for introducing children to hikes in the woods. The trails are even suitable for toddlers.

Unfortunately, the scenic foot-bridge just short of the headwaters was damaged and removed this year, so that scenic side trip is no longer available. Still, there are many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful stream and the lush undergrowth on the way to the headwaters.

To find these relaxing little hikes, 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 Round 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 miss this turnoff if you are not paying attention.

The Jack Creek Road crosses the Jack Creek Bridge in just a few hundred yards, and the pavement ends. Park here for the three-mile hike. For the two-mile option, turn left after crossing the Jack Creek Bridge onto Forest Road 1232, a good gravel road. Take the 2nd turnoff into the Jack Creek Campground and park at the trailhead at the west end of the campground.

To reach the trailhead for the very easy short stroll, drive about a mile west on 1232 and watch for well-marked left turns to "Head of Jack Creek." Follow the signs to the parking area. These are fee use areas with self-service deposit boxes.