Mule Creek Trail

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.