We parked at the Elkhorn Drive parking lot and were surprised to find no fee was asked of us. To get there from Salem take hwy 22 east and turn onto Little North Fork Rd at the Swiss Villiage. Pass Gates Hill Rd and Turn right on Elkhorn Dr. which is a gravel road. You'll see the parking lot on your left across from a sign about Opal Creek Scenic Area. This is not a loop trail so you have to come back the way you came or park a second car at the other end of the trail. If you hike to the end and back it's about 9 miles with 900 ft. elevation gain. The water was still fairly high and we could see evidence of earlier flooding on the hike but the trail was was in good condition if a bit muddy in places. Superpup was ecstatic about being in his element again and really soaked up the woodsy atmosphere. There is something about old trees that I really love. It's hard to describe but it's as if they have absorbed time itself into their woody tissue and you can feel it emanate from the bark all around you demanding respect. I am in awe in these forests, as if it is a rare privilege to be there and I should be silent and let the forest speak. Lots of stories in those woods, if you look for them.
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