We love recommending hikes of all shapes and sizes to our guests. Whether you are looking for a quick stroll to stretch your legs, a few hour trek through the woods or an entire day exploration...we’ve got a hike for that! Mad Creek is the ideal middle-of-the-road hike and we absolutely love sending our guests to this somewhat hidden gem. Mad Creek’s trailhead is about 8 miles and a 15 minute drive from the Mariposa Lodge making it the perfect destination hike if you are looking to get out of the hustle bustle of town for a few hours.
The first .3 miles is a slight steady incline, enough of a grind to get your blood pumping before the trail levels out for the remainder of the trek. While enjoying your hike, keep your eye out for nature’s richness...wildflowers beside you, soaring eagles above and dancing butterflies below. It’s not at all uncommon to see wildlife of all types on this trail; moose, deer, fox and even the occasional herd of cattle! Don’t forget to enjoy wildlife from a safe and respectful distance.
Two miles and about 45 minutes in sits Mad Barn, a picturesque barn from the 1900’s that was restored in the early 2000’s. You’ll find traces of life once lived surrounding the barn including abandoned homes and retaining walls, all of which allow you to soak up the history and details of this homestead from about 1904.
We recommend bring lots of water (always!) and a picnic lunch to enjoy at or around the barn. Another .5 miles from Mad Barn leads you to Mad Creek itself. The bridge + sanded area is ideal for sitting and enjoying your lunch before heading back to the trailhead.
Round trip from the trailhead to the barn puts you at 5 miles and roughly 2 hours on the trail. Be sure to ask us some of our favorite breweries you’ll pass to/from Mad Creek...perfectly located to quench your thirst after your day spent frolicking in the woods!