Head of Jack Creek Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
,_Jack_Creek.jpeg)
- Start point: Jack Creek Campground Trailhead
- End point: Head of Jack Creek
- Hike type: In and out
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 105 feet
- High point: 3,220 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: Spring through fall
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: On summer weekends
Contents |
Hike Description
This area east of the Cascade Crest is well-known for its bountiful springs that issue a stream full force from the bowels of the earth. Perhaps the most visited of these are the headwaters of the Metolius River, but Jack Creek, a tributary of the Metolius is another watercourse with such a forceful beginning. In fact, these large springs begin underground many miles away as snowmelt and groundwater flows underground through cracks and fissures in the lava for some distance before bursting forth. The short, easy hike to the Head of Jack Creek is best begun from the Jack Creek Campground, a lovely spot to pitch a tent, and the very level trail is ideal for families with young children.
The trail begins at the west end of the Jack Creek Campground and follows an old road bed along the north bank of Jack Creek for most of the distance. You'll be hiking under tall ponderosa pines with an understory of manzanita. Wildflowers include balsamroot, polemonium, and horkelia. Jack Creek burbles serenely to your left. Soon, you'll reach an area affected by the 2003 B & B Complex Fires. After about three-quarters of a mile, you'll pass a bench at a junction with a trail coming in from the right, that path starting at a different trailhead only a quarter of a mile away.
The springs issue forth at the base of a lava ridge in a lush amphitheater that remains unscathed by the fire, which torched the forest nearby. There are several outlets that form a dark pool, the beginning of Jack Creek, at least on the surface!
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Green Trails Maps: Whitewater River, OR #558
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Sisters Ranger District
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Deschutes National Forest
- Pacific Northwest Recreation Map Series: Willamette Cascades
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington
- Adventure Maps: Mount Jefferson, Bull of the Woods & Opal Creek Wilderness Trail Map
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
- Restrooms in Jack Creek Campground
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Head of Jack Creek Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Head of Jack Creek Hike
- So, who was Jack anyway?
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 101 Hikes in the Majestic Mount Jefferson Region by Matt Reeder
- Central Oregon: Walks, Hikes & Strolls for Mature Folks by Marsha Johnson
More Links
- Head of Jack Creek Hike (Outdoor Project)
- Head Of Jack Creek Trail (Hiking Project)
- Head of Jack Creek erases life's problems (HinesSight)
- "Jack Creek Trail is option for family outings" (The Nugget Newspaper)
- "The head of Jack Creek" (Bend Bulletin)
- Head of Jack Creek from Sheep Springs Horse Camp (NW Horse Trails)
Contributors
- bobcat (creator)