The Opal Creek Wilderness now contains a total of 20,667 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. All of the wilderness is in the state of Oregon.Public land becomes wilderness through legislation passed by the United States Congress in the form of public laws. For the Opal Creek Wilderness, this process began in 1998 when 20,724 acres were designated by Public Law 104-333. The following public laws also affect the Opal Creek Wilderness: 106-176.
The Opal Creek Wilderness is part of the 106 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. This System of wild lands contributes significantly to the ecological, economic, and social health of our country. Wilderness provides clean air and water, a shelter for endangered species, sacred places for indigenous peoples, a living laboratory for research, and a classroom for exploring personal values while experiencing risk, reward, and self-reliance. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities like hiking, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization," you play an important role in helping to "secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by the Congress of the United States through the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations listed below and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting the Opal Creek Wilderness to ensure protection of this unique area.
Area Management:
Unless otherwise specified, no motorized equipment or mechanical transport is allowed. This is true for all federal lands managed as designated wilderness.
For more information or to contact the Opal Creek Wilderness, log onto the Opal Creek Wilderness page on Wilderness.net.
Leave No Trace principles:Plan Ahead and PrepareTravel and Camp on Durable SurfacesDispose of Waste ProperlyLeave What You FindMinimize Campfire ImpactsRespect WildlifeBe Considerate of Other VisitorsFor more detailed information on the Leave No Trace principles above, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.
