Revision as of 22:08, 26 July 2015

At Vista Point, overlooking the Illinois River Valley (bobcat)

Siskiyou iris (Iris bracteata), Big Tree Trail (bobcat)

Woodland phlox Phlox adsurgens), Big Tree Trail (bobcat)

The Big Tree (bobcat)

The loop shown in red (bobcat)

• Start point:
• Ending Point:
• Trail Log:
• Hike Type: Loop
• Distance: 10.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 2,800 feet
• High Point: 4,300 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Seasons: All year
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Backpackable: No
• Crowded: No

Hike Description

TRAILHEAD: From I-5 Exit 30, take Hwy 230 west through Jacksonville for 8 miles to Ruch. Turn south on Applegate Road for 12.2 miles. The trailhead (with sign) is on the left (east) side of the road at Mile 12.1 and there is parking for 4-5 cars on the right (west) shoulder of the road at Mile 12.2.

This is the most readily accessible of the hikes starting in or near the Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon. Barring an unusual snow event, it’s open year-round. In the summer, an early start allows you to climb the arid south-facing balds and twisted oak woodlands in the cool of the morning and then descend among the lush, cool maple and fir forests along Mule Creek Canyon as the day heats up.

After parking, walk back down the road to the sign and the start

Fees, Regulations, etc.

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Mule Mountain Loop Hike

• Mule Mountain Loop

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Mule Mountain Loop Hike

Guidebooks that cover this destination

• The Siskiyou Crest: Hikes, History & Ecology by Luke Ruediger (pages 116-118)
• 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon by William L. Sullivan (Third Edition, Hike #63)

Page Contributors

• VanMarmot (creator)