3. French Creek Ridge

The segment of the French Creek Ridge Trail running from west of Phantom Natural Bridge to east of Merten buttes used to bisect patches of fine ridgeline old growth while offering panoramic views of Opal Creek basin and Mt. Jefferson. A particularly distinctive forest just west of tiny Cedar Lake sheltered a very old and near climax forest of large, shade-tolerant Pacific silver fir and western hemlock. Unfortunately, the Beachie Fire (2020) ripped through this area and it is doubtful significant old growth remains. The access road and trail are still closed to public use.