Opal Natural Area

Not what it was 35yrs ago, also had a forest fire go through there several years ago.

Fascinating place, but a little hard to find. The map pin here is correct, but it looks like the road stops on the way there. It doesn't. Keep heading west on Township Rd 580 and head north on Range Road 225. Head about a kilometre and you'll come to a dead end, and the gate for Opal Natural Area. From the Albertaparks.ca website: This area contains sandy ridges interspersed with depressional areas. There are open pine/lichen forests on upland areas and some aspen groves. The area also contains: wet meadows of sedges and grasses; ponds ringed with cattails; and large areas of black spruce fen. The area provides good wildlife habitat.