Union Creek Trail

The Union Creek Trail is a flat, 8 mile out and back that follows along Union Creek. Begin at the Union Creek Resort across from Beckies Pies!

Driving

– It’s a 60 minute drive towards Crater Lake. Jump off Interstate 5 in Medford on the Crater Lake/ Route 62 exit. That’s Exit 30 for you interstate sign readers. Turn to the east and take the New Bypass around the businesses and turn left when that road dead ends into the old Route 62.
Now, stay on Route 62 through White City, Shady Cove, Trail, past Lost Creek Lake, past Prospect and into the tall pines. Ride along with the Crater Lake traffic until you see the Union Creek Campground sign on your left, just before Beckie’s Pies. Turn Left.

Parking

– To the left before Beckie’s Pies is the Union Creek campground. There is a kind of interpretive/picnic area right there off highway 62. There is a large dirt lot for lots of parking and the restrooms even have running water (aka flush toilets!)

Hiking

– From the parking lot you will need to cross Route 62. There are no signs but it’s fine. Just get over to the Union Creek Resort Parking lot. Look to the right of the general store and you will see signs for the Union Creek Trail. It begins through the driveway to the cabins in the back but pay attention and the signs will take you to the back of the property and the trail. Remember, you are just following the creek so when in doubt, go to the creek. The trail is never more than a few yards from the creek.

As far as directions go, that’s it. For the next 4 miles you follow the creek upstream. There are occasionally little groves of old growth pine – the groves are little, the pines… NOT little! – and many great swimming holes to jump into in the summer. At the 4 mile mark there are the official Union Creek Falls which are fine, but not really worth bringing any fancy camera aside from your phone. Turn around and head back.

However, if you’d like, you can hike on the trail uphill from this point to a parking lot/trailhead that comes off of Route 62. This is about 3 driving miles past where you are currently parked and is the Eastern Trailhead. If you have two groups and want to park a car here for a 4 mile shuttle route that is an option. But isn’t it always better to put more miles on your hiking shoes rather than your Subaru.