Much of Opal Creek forest hit hard by Beachie Creek Fire
ZACH URNESS, Salem Statesman Journal
March 6, 2021
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SALEM, Ore. (AP) — One of the most beloved destinations in Oregon looks a lot different following the blowup of the Beachie Creek Fire.
Large swaths of the 34,000-acre Opal Creek Wilderness and Recreation Area burned after historic winds turned a small fire into an inferno Labor Day night.
The fire destroyed the bridge over Henline Creek — the main access point from Salem and Portland. It also killed many of the trees, including old-growth giants, on Henline Falls, Little North Santiam and Opal Creek trails and in the surrounding area.