The Opal Brook Loop is a nine-mile circuit that starts and ends at the back gate of the lodge. It is not a technically difficult trail, but it is a full day for most people. Here is what to expect.

The route

From the back gate, the trail climbs steadily for the first two miles through second-growth Douglas fir. The understory is open and the light is good in the morning. At the two-mile mark you reach the ridge, where there is a flat rock that makes a good rest stop and a view south toward the valley. From there the trail descends to the upper falls, crosses the creek on stepping stones, and follows the creek downstream for the last two miles back to the lodge. The total elevation gain is about 900 feet, most of it in the first two miles.

The creek crossings

There are two creek crossings on the loop. The first is at the upper falls, where the creek is narrow and the stepping stones are reliable in all but the highest water. The second is about a mile downstream, where the creek widens and the stones are further apart. Both crossings are ankle-deep in summer and can be knee-deep in early spring. Waterproof boots are worth it from October through May. In summer, most people cross in trail runners without issue.

The beaver pond

The beaver pond is about a mile from the end of the trail, on the left side of the creek. It has been there since at least 2018, when the dam first appeared. The pond is about 40 feet across and the water is dark and still. We have seen great blue herons, wood ducks, and in 2025 a pair of osprey that nested in the big snag on the east bank. Walk quietly on this section of the trail. The beavers are most active at dusk.

Seasonal conditions

Spring (March-May): the upper section can be icy into April. The lower section near the beaver pond is soft and muddy. The falls are at their best. Summer (June-September): the trail is dry and fast. The creek drops significantly by August. Autumn (October-November): the fir needles are down and the light through the trees is remarkable. The creek crossings get higher again in November. Winter (December-February): the trail is open but can be icy on the ridge. Microspikes recommended.

What to bring

Water (at least two liters for the full loop), something to eat, waterproof boots in wet seasons, a layer for the ridge even in summer. The trail is well-marked with orange blazes on the trees. There is no cell service for most of the loop, so download a map before you go or pick up the letterpress trail map from the lodge store. The full loop takes most people four to five hours at a comfortable pace. Allow more time if you plan to stop at the falls or the beaver pond.

If you have questions about current trail conditions before your visit, email stay@opalbrooktrail.com or call (+81 3-3963-2501. We walk the loop regularly and will give you an honest report.