The Mule Creek trail is located in the Wild Rogue Wilderness and meanders
along vertical bluffs high above Mule Creek and East Fork Fork Mule Creek
Canyons. This trail was constructed in the early 1900s and historically has
been used by miners and other early settlers as a pack trail to haul supplies
into the backcountry. The U.S. Forest Service also used it to reach the
lookout tower at Hanging Rock and the guard station at Marial. Hikers will
enjoy a part of our history as well as scenic views, wildflowers and wildlife.  
  
The best time to hike the trail is in the Spring or Fall. Summer temperatures
can reach 100 degrees F on south-facing slopes. Camping along the trail is at
dispersed sites. Carry water with you. Water is available near the south
trailhead at the Rogue River Ranch. The water at Tucker Flat Campground is not
potable; the north trailhead has no spring water.  
  
The north end of the trail connects with the Panther Ridge trail, Forest
Service trail #1253. The south end of the trail is 1/2 mile from the Rogue
River Ranch.

## Know Before You Go

  * From Tucker Flat Campground, the trail climbs approximately 3000 vertical feet over 6.5 miles.
  * Tucker Flat Campground is a no-host campground with six campsites with no hook-ups and no potable water. This year-round, first-come first serve campground features pit toilets, picnic tables and is situated along the Grave Creek to Marial Back Country Byway.
  * The 35,221-acre Wild Rogue Wilderness is co-managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.

## Point of Interest

The 40-mile long Rogue River National Recreation Trail can also be accessed
near the Tucker Flat Campground.

<p>The Mule Creek trail is located in the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/wild-rogue-wilderness" title="Wild Rogue Wilderness" rel="nofollow">Wild Rogue Wilderness</a> and meanders along vertical bluffs high above Mule Creek and East Fork Fork Mule Creek Canyons. This trail was constructed in the early 1900s and historically has been used by miners and other early settlers as a pack trail to haul supplies into the backcountry. The U.S. Forest Service also used it to reach the lookout tower at Hanging Rock and the guard station at Marial. Hikers will enjoy a part of our history as well as scenic views, wildflowers and wildlife.<br><br>The best time to hike the trail is in the Spring or Fall. Summer temperatures can reach 100 degrees F on south-facing slopes. Camping along the trail is at dispersed sites. Carry water with you. Water is available near the south trailhead at the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/rogue-river-ranch-national-historic-site" title="Rogue River Ranch" rel="nofollow">Rogue River Ranch</a>. The water at Tucker Flat Campground is not potable; the north trailhead has no spring water.<br><br>The north end of the trail connects with the Panther Ridge trail, Forest Service trail #1253. The south end of the trail is 1/2 mile from the Rogue River Ranch.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>From Tucker Flat Campground, the trail climbs approximately 3000 vertical feet over 6.5 miles.</li><li>Tucker Flat Campground is a no-host campground with six campsites with no hook-ups and no potable water. This year-round, first-come first serve campground features pit toilets, picnic tables and is situated along the Grave Creek to Marial Back Country Byway.</li><li>The 35,221-acre Wild Rogue Wilderness is co-managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>The 40-mile long <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/rogue-river-national-recreation-trail" title="Rogue River National Recreation Trail" rel="nofollow">Rogue River National Recreation Trail</a> can also be accessed near the Tucker Flat Campground.</p>

Footbridge over Mule Creek

Mule Creek in July 2013

Mule Creek Trail

The United States Congress designated Oregon's Wild Rogue Wilderness in 1978
and it now has a total of 35,806 acres—approximately 27,111 are U.S. Forest
Service lands and 8,600 are Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The
legislation assigned the U.S. Forest Service to manage the entire Wilderness
Area.

Surrounding the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, the rugged and complex canyon
landscape of the Wild Rogue Wilderness provides watershed protection for the
Wild portion of the river. The area is characterized by steep terrain of near
vertical cliffs, razor-sharp ridges and cascading mountain creeks.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Along the river you may see deer and otters, or even black
bears looking for a meal of salmon. Bears, grown accustomed to easy pickings
from boaters, may prove a nuisance in numerous campsites. Birds abound, such
as fish eating osprey and great blue heron and lizards hasten over the dry
slopes above the water. Ticks and rattlesnakes are often encountered.  

**Know Before You Go:**  
The river corridor is also excellent habitat for poison oak, whose stems and
shiny leaves in groups of three can be a problem throughout the year.
Mosquitoes are present during a good part of the season and yellow jackets can
be a nuisance during the typically hot, rainless summer days.

Visitors can help in protecting this fragile ecosystem by adequately planning
and by arriving prepared! Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, and common
sense can help to ensure you have a safe, fun, and memorable trip to the wild.
Trail junctions are generally unsigned, so you should carry a map and a
compass. And always, be sure to bring your ten essentials!

<p>The United States Congress designated Oregon's Wild Rogue Wilderness in 1978 and it now has a total of 35,806 acres—approximately 27,111 are U.S. Forest Service lands and 8,600 are Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The legislation assigned the U.S. Forest Service to manage the entire Wilderness Area.</p>
<p>Surrounding the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, the rugged and complex canyon landscape of the Wild Rogue Wilderness provides watershed protection for the Wild portion of the river. The area is characterized by steep terrain of near vertical cliffs, razor-sharp ridges and cascading mountain creeks.</p><p><b>Leave No Trace principles:</b><ol><li>Plan Ahead and Prepare</li><li>Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</li><li>Dispose of Waste Properly</li><li>Leave What You Find</li><li>Minimize Campfire Impacts</li><li>Respect Wildlife</li><li>Be Considerate of Other Visitors</li></ol><p><b>Regulations:</b><br>Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Along the river you may see deer and otters, or even black bears looking for a meal of salmon. Bears, grown accustomed to easy pickings from boaters, may prove a nuisance in numerous campsites. Birds abound, such as fish eating osprey and great blue heron and lizards hasten over the dry slopes above the water. Ticks and rattlesnakes are often encountered.<br><p><strong>Know Before You Go:</strong><br>The river corridor is also excellent habitat for poison oak, whose stems and shiny leaves in groups of three can be a problem throughout the year. Mosquitoes are present during a good part of the season and yellow jackets can be a nuisance during the typically hot, rainless summer days.</p>
<p>Visitors can help in protecting this fragile ecosystem by adequately planning and by arriving prepared! Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, and common sense can help to ensure you have a safe, fun, and memorable trip to the wild. Trail junctions are generally unsigned, so you should carry a map and a compass. And always, be sure to bring your ten essentials!</p>

Wild Rogue Wilderness

The Rogue River National Recreation Trail traverses the wild section of the
Lower Rogue National Wild and Scenic River along its entire length. Stretching
40 miles between Grave Creek and Big Bend, the trail offers some of
southwestern Oregon's most amazing landscapes and rewarding hiking
experiences. Majestic steep canyon walls, cascading waterfalls, and glistening
streams are just a glimpse of the magnificent scenery in the Wild Rogue
Canyon. Observation and exploration opportunities abound for hikers to observe
wildlife, wildflowers and historical sites along the way.

The Rogue River Trail is a HIKING TRAIL ONLY, closed to motorized vehicles,
bicycles, and pack animals. The trail may be hiked from either end or from the
middle.

The trail is rated DIFFICULT due to the remote nature of the trail, tall
cliffs, the potential for downed trees, landslides and high water in creeks.
Most of the trail is well constructed and has moderate grades. The average
hiker takes 4-5 days to walk the 40 miles.

During the heat of the summer, temperatures may reach 100° F. Many hikers
choose to hike from west to east, keeping the afternoon sun at their backs.

Moderate temperatures make spring and fall popular seasons to hike. Annual
maintenance usually occurs April through June, after winter storms are no
longer a threat.

Check out the Rogue River National Recreation Trail Guide for a detailed
description of the trail.

## Distances from Grave Creek

**Location - Miles**

  * Whisky Creek - 3.2
  * Black Bar Lodge - 9.3
  * Kelsey Creek - 15
  * Rogue River Ranch - 22.7
  * Marial - 23.9
  * Blossom Bar - 26.4
  * Paradise Creek - 27.3
  * Brushy Bar - 30.5 (currently closed)
  * Big Bend/Foster Bar - 40 (currently closed)

## Know Before You Go

  * Sections of the trail have significant EXPOSURE RISK as the trail traverses steep cliffs and rocky outcrops along the Rogue River. Please use caution and watch your footing.
  * A Wild Rogue Float Permit is required for trail hikers when trail hikers are supported by boaters. A Permit is not required if a hiker hikes the trail and packs all of their own gear. More permit information.
  * Water in creeks should be treated by boiling or filtration methods before consumption. Water is NOT available at the Rogue River Ranch.
  * The BLM and Forest Service provide toilets at some campsites. At sites where toilets are not provided, please pack out human waste with an approved system, or use the "cat hole" method.

## Point of Interest

The Rogue River trail is notable for its rich history which is manifested in
the three National Historic Sites along its path: Whisky Creek, Zane Grey
Cabin and Rogue River Ranch. Read about some of the wild endeavors of the
river canyon's former occupants in the Rogue River National Recreation Trail
Guide.

<p>The Rogue River National Recreation Trail traverses the wild section of the Lower Rogue National Wild and Scenic River along its entire length. Stretching 40 miles between Grave Creek and Big Bend, the trail offers some of southwestern Oregon's most amazing landscapes and rewarding hiking experiences. Majestic steep canyon walls, cascading waterfalls, and glistening streams are just a glimpse of the magnificent scenery in the Wild Rogue Canyon. Observation and exploration opportunities abound for hikers to observe wildlife, wildflowers and historical sites along the way.</p><p>The Rogue River Trail is a HIKING TRAIL ONLY, closed to motorized vehicles, bicycles, and pack animals. The trail may be hiked from either end or from the middle.</p><p>The trail is rated DIFFICULT due to the remote nature of the trail, tall cliffs, the potential for downed trees, landslides and high water in creeks. Most of the trail is well constructed and has moderate grades. The average hiker takes 4-5 days to walk the 40 miles.</p><p>During the heat of the summer, temperatures may reach 100° F. Many hikers choose to hike from west to east, keeping the afternoon sun at their backs.</p><p>Moderate temperatures make spring and fall popular seasons to hike. Annual maintenance usually occurs April through June, after winter storms are no longer a threat.</p><p>Check out the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2021-05/rogue-river-trail-guide.pdf" rel="nofollow">Rogue River National Recreation Trail Guide</a> for a detailed description of the trail.</p><h2>Distances from Grave Creek</h2><p><strong>Location - Miles</strong></p><ul><li>Whisky Creek - 3.2</li><li>Black Bar Lodge - 9.3</li><li>Kelsey Creek - 15</li><li>Rogue River Ranch - 22.7</li><li>Marial - 23.9</li><li>Blossom Bar - 26.4</li><li>Paradise Creek - 27.3</li><li>Brushy Bar - 30.5 (currently closed)</li><li>Big Bend/Foster Bar - 40 (currently closed)</li></ul><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Sections of the trail have significant EXPOSURE RISK as the trail traverses steep cliffs and rocky outcrops along the Rogue River. Please use caution and watch your footing.</li><li>A Wild Rogue Float Permit is required for trail hikers when trail hikers are supported by boaters. A Permit is not required if a hiker hikes the trail and packs all of their own gear. <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river" title="More permit information" rel="nofollow">More permit information</a>.</li><li>Water in creeks should be treated by boiling or filtration methods before consumption. Water is NOT available at the Rogue River Ranch.</li><li>The BLM and Forest Service provide toilets at some campsites. At sites where toilets are not provided, please pack out human waste with an approved system, or use the "cat hole" method.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>The Rogue River trail is notable for its rich history which is manifested in the three National Historic Sites along its path: Whisky Creek, Zane Grey Cabin and Rogue River Ranch. Read about some of the wild endeavors of the river canyon's former occupants in the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2021-05/rogue-river-trail-guide.pdf" title="Rogue River National Recreation Trail Guide" rel="nofollow">Rogue River National Recreation Trail Guide</a>.</p>

Cliffside Rogue River Trail

Rafters on the Rogue River

Rogue River View

Rogue River National Recreation Trail

Take a hike down the 1.8-mile Rainie Falls trail following a portion of the
mighty and wild section of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. Oaks,
madrones and a variety of verdant vegetation line this path to the falls. This
short trail is cut on the opposite—but generally shadier—side of the Rogue
River where it's much longer cousin, the Rogue River National Recreation Trail
traverses 40 miles from Grave Creek to Big Bend.

## Know Before You Go:

  * Parking is available opposite the trailhead in the pullout across Galice Road.
  * No facilities are available at the trailhead or at Rainie Falls, but a vault toilet is located at the Grave Creek Boat Ramp, across the Grave Creek Bridge.

## Point of Interest:

A little over a mile down the trail, look along the river side of the trail
for remnants of a hexagonal suspension bridge abutment, built in 1908. The
bridge washed out in 1927 and is evidence of the area's rich mining history.

<p>Take a hike down the 1.8-mile Rainie Falls trail following a portion of the mighty and wild section of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. Oaks, madrones and a variety of verdant vegetation line this path to the falls. This short trail is cut on the opposite—but generally shadier—side of the Rogue River where it's much longer cousin, the Rogue River National Recreation Trail traverses 40 miles from Grave Creek to Big Bend.</p><h2>Know Before You Go:</h2><ul><li>Parking is available opposite the trailhead in the pullout across Galice Road.</li><li>No facilities are available at the trailhead or at Rainie Falls, but a vault toilet is located at the Grave Creek Boat Ramp, across the Grave Creek Bridge.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest:</h2><p>A little over a mile down the trail, look along the river side of the trail for remnants of a hexagonal suspension bridge abutment, built in 1908. The bridge washed out in 1927 and is evidence of the area's rich mining history.</p>

Mule Creek Trail

Know Before You Go

Point of Interest

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Wild Rogue Wilderness

Rogue River National Recreation Trail

Rainie Falls Trail