1.9 hr
This trail follows Mule Creek through dense forest in the Siskiyou Mountains near Applegate Lake. Recommended direction of travel is downhill (E-W), although it certainly has been ascended as well. <br><br>It is possible to drive to the upper end of the trail via forest roads 2010 and 300, or Mule Creek may be ridden as part of a loop by ascending the Little Greyback Trail, or the Mule Mountain Trail. Using Mule Mountain is more straightforward in terms of parking, but is a more difficult ascent than Little Greyback.<br><br>In any event, once you have arrived at the top of the trail at 3960' on the Hanley Cr / Mule Creek divide, the steep descent begins immediately and continues for 3.25 miles at an average grade of 11%. The trail has many rough sections with roots, rocks, and stream crossings, and it is recommended to check recent conditions as the undergrowth can get pretty thick. <br><br>At the low point of the trail at 1950', merge briefly with a smooth doubletrack but watch for the continuation of the Mule Creek singletrack heading up the hill on your right. This final portion of the trail gains 350' in 3/4 mile as it winds up the south-facing slope through oak, manzanita, and mountain mahogany to meet the Mule Mountain Trail on the ridge top, a little over a half a mile from its trailhead on the Applegate Lake road.