Jawbone Flats

Oregon's ghost towns are timber camps and high-desert gold strikes, preserved by dry air and long distances.

Jawbone Flats is a ghost town in Marion County, Oregon, United States. It is located along Opal Creek, approximately 22 miles (35 km) from Salem, the state capitol, and is accessible via the Opal Pool Loop trail. Established in 1931, Jawbone Flats was a mining camp founded after miners discovered gold in the region in 1859.

The on-the-ground condition of Jawbone Flats is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Jawbone Flats is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Jawbone Flats is roughly 44.8467, -122.2099 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.