Rogue River - Mule Creek and Marial Lodge
Day two of your Rogue River rafting adventure ends near Mule Creek. Pull in to the right bank just above the creek itself and take the short hike up to the alluvial flats where the Rogue River Ranch is located.
Archeological exploration in this area found evidence of natives living on these flats at least 8,000 years ago. In the late 1800’s the ranch was a center of activity in the Marial area. A small museum holds artifacts and pictures of the era and outbuildings such as the “Tack Shop” and the “Tabernacle” are evidence of the variety of activities at the Ranch.
Head back to the boats for the short float to Marial Lodge. For years the lodge served as the Post Office for residents of the Marial area. Built by Tom and Betsy Billings in the 1930’s, the main house was converted to a lodge in the 1940’s by their daughter, Marial and her second husband, Manfred Akesson. From the mid ‘40’s through the mid ‘60’s, they hosted fishing guides on the same dates every year. The Pyle brothers had the misfortune to be at the lodge on Marial’s birthday each year, prompting Marial to remark that “most people get presents on their birthday—all I ever get is the Pyles!”
In 1966 Marial sold the lodge to Ted Camp, one of the most delightful people on the river. His gruff exterior hid a heart of gold. Countless guests fell victim to his practical jokes, including the legendary fake banana split.
Ted’s niece, Lori, came to work at the lodge in 1974 at the age of 13. In 1981, Ted sold to Lori and her husband Pat and they have continued to operate the lodge. Their hospitality and friendliness are without equal on the river and make Marial Lodge a bit of “heaven on earth”.
