Head of Jack Creek survives fire

The Head of Jack Creek near Camp Sherman is one of the prettiest places in central Oregon. Heck, anywhere. So even though we’d heard that the spring-fed source of Jack Creek had survived the B & B Complex fire, it was worrisome to see so many burned trees as we walked up from a nearby campground.

But when we got to the charming bridge that leads to the Head area, everything looked great.

These berries looked good enough to eat. We resisted the temptation, not knowing what they were.

There’s fire damage around the Head of Jack Creek and a few downed trees disturb previously pristine waters.

The good news is that the Head of Jack Creek is essentially undamaged and continues to lift the spirit. I had thought about writing a political sort of post today, yet that notion evaporated after our walk this afternoon.

The Head of Jack Creek is one of those places that make you realize that notwithstanding hurricanes, wars, global warming, deficit spending, and all the other bad stuff that grabs our attention, there’s another level of reality where everything always has been, and always will be, just fine.

Every time I go there I start to think, “This is like a Japanese garden.” Then I remind myself, “No, a Japanese garden is like this.” Man can try to copy nature, but there’s nothing like the original.

Comments

[Rustifer]

That's some lovely photographery. Thanks for sharing it. Hope that your lush photos and calming description don't cause a stampede to ... wherever Jack Creek is.

[Jerry Pagac]

Wonderful photography...thanks for sharing it.

[Dan]

I just found this spot this last weekend. It is wonderful it did not burn. I don't know if it had extra fire fighting around it, but likely it would have made no difference. The perennially wet soils there support an amazing set of species you would expect to find dozens of miles to the west: hemlocks (giving it the Japanese garden feel in an arid landscape), gorgeous huge western white pine, and large Douglas-fir. People should tread lightly here!

[L. McGrath]

I've hiked to the head of Jack Creek twice now, and plan on hiking it again sometime this month. I whole-heartedly agree that it's the most beautiful place in Central Oregon. Above that, both times I've been there I have been filled with a sense of peace and wonder that I've never experienced anywhere else. The pictures (above) are beautiful, but like the ones I've taken, do not quite dipict the awesome beauty of the area. This is an easy walk and is one I would highly recommend.