Henline Falls

The Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area include many longer day hikes, destination swimming spots, and short side trips that can be added to either of the above. Henline Falls is one such addition that’s worth visiting while you are in the area.

After departing from the trailhead, walk along an abandoned forest road for about a third of a mile before forking left on the trail to Henline Falls. (Taking the fork to the right leads you along the Ogle Mountain Trail, which deadends after a relatively uninteresting 2 miles). After another third of a mile, you’ll have reached the base of the 126-foot falls. The falls cascade into a pool that would make for a good toe-dip in the summer. If you are visiting on a colder day, an abandoned mine shaft with tramway remnants also makes the short hike more interesting. The mine is partially gated for safety; exercise care if you choose to explore the dry adit, which is only safely accessible for about 0.2 miles.

In autumn, a striking abundance and variety of fungal growth can be found on the forest floor.

Note: Significant crowding, vandalism, and disruptive behavior have resulted in several new regulations. The implementation of these regulations follows an extensive public comment period. Effective May 26, 2017:

• Cars will be turned away once the 90-space parking lot for Three Pools is full, and parking will no longer be allowed outside of the parking lot.
• Significantly, alcohol is now prohibited at the Three Pools Recreation Site.
• Campfires are now prohibited along the route from the Opal Creek Gate Trailhead to Jawbone Flats. Parking will only be allowed within a quarter mile of the trailhead.
• Camping is prohibited for 5 miles up Road 46 along the Breitenbush River 500 feet from the roadway.
• Camping is prohibited at Elk Lake outside of the official Elk Lake Campground.
• Dispersed camping is prohibited for the first 2 miles up French Creek Road and 8 miles on Blowout Creek Road.