Mule Creek Trail
Recreation Opportunity Guide
Use Season: Spring-Fall
Fees: None
Elevation:
Length: 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
History and Visitor Information: The Mule Creek trail is located in the Wild
Rogue Wilderness Area. This trail was constructed in the early 1900's 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 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. 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. The Rogue River National
Recreation Trail can be accessed from here as well as the Historic Kelsey Pack Trail.
Safety Concerns:
Poison oak, rattle snakes,
ticks.
Location:
Latitude and Longitude:
42.725673, -123.875442
Driving Directions: Access to the north end:
From the West- From Gold Beach on SR 101, take County Road 595 East to Forest Service
Road 33. Continue on FS road 33 to FS road 3310, following it until FS road 3340. On FS road
3340, travel NW until it connects with FS road 33. Take a right at the intersection with FS
road 3348 and continue on to the Buck Creek campground where you will turn right on FS
road 5520. FS road 5520 will take you to the parking area for the trail.
Medford District Bureau of Land
Management
Grants Pass Interagency Office
2164 NE Spalding Ave.
(541) 471-6500
www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation
From the East- From the Glendale exit on I-5 go west and into town where you will head
northwest on County road 27, continuing on as it becomes BLM road 33-7-2. At intersection
of Cow Creek and West Cow Creek roads go left, following West Cow Creek (BLM road 328- 1. 1). Approximately three and one-half miles take a left onto the Bobby Creek Road (BLM
road 32-8-9.2) following it up to Nine Mile Saddle. Go right and continue on Kelsey Mule Road
(BLM rd 32-8-3 1) through Anaktuvik Saddle and west until it becomes Forest Service road
5520. Follow FS rd5520 to parking area.
Access to the south end:
From I-5 take the Merlin Exit. Drive west on the Merlin-Galice Road approximately 23 miles.
Continue across The Grave Creek Bridge and onto the Mt. Reuben Road (BLM rd 34-8-2)
until it junctions with the Kelsey Mule Road, go left. Approximately 1/4 mile west, at Marial
Saddle, go left on Marial Road (BLM rd 32-9-14.2) following signs to Tucker Flat Campground.
Trailhead is at rear of campground. (See Map for access to south end.)