Waterfall Detail: Mullin Stream Falls is at the confluence of the Mullin Stream and the North Branch Mullin Stream in a remote region of the Miramichi River Valley. The waterfall is not large, but the ambiance created by the rock formation and plant life creates an area that is simply beautiful. Over millennia, the stream has carved a notch through the bedrock, producing sheer cliff walls on either side.
A ravine of steep cliffs encircles the entire area and is embraced by an area of mixed forest of hardwood and softwood. The pool is used by folks who know about the area for swimming. They say the pool is bottomless, well very deep at least. Along the trail, expect to see trilliums and other flora scattered about the forest floor when in season.
For those unfamiliar with the region, Mullin Stream Falls can be hard to find without directions. From the nearest village of Sunny Corner a drive of almost forty kilometres is required. It is a long drive along forestry roads that are interconnected. Most of them lead off to favourite fishing spots or to forestry operations in the area. The trail to the stream has serious sections and upon reaching the falls there are few locations from which to openly view their beauty.
From Sunny Corner head north on Route 425. About 2.5 km take the bridge cross the Northwest Miramichi River and drive 1.5 km to a turn-off on the right. Drive out this gravel road until the New Mullin Stream road located just after the load liners (align the wood on pulp trucks) and drive approximately 24 km to a Y in the road. Stay left and approximately 1 km take first old logging road on the left. This road is very rough. Near the bottom there is an access trail. Walk approximately 1 km to Mullin Stream Falls.
Visit Detail: I am the guest of Darren Row and his dad Bill and we just hiked into Mullin Falls. I was provided Darren’s name by a coworker who knew about the waterfalls and indicated I should contact him about getting into the falls. So I contacted Darren back in March to get GPS coordinates for the falls but he indicated he would like visit the falls as well as few others while I was in area.
To photograph the falls I quickly realized that I would have to get wet. The orientation of the falls within the bowl ensured that the only clear vantage point was midstream. So undaunted I edged up along the cliff face and then out to a point where I could work from. The force of the water rushing over the edge of the bowl shook the tripod violently so I tried several hand held shots. I then retraced my steps to the shore to check the quality and they where rubbish. Shedding shirt, watch, wallet, excess camera gear I started across the ridge of rock that forms the outer edge of the pool. Caught between a deep dark pool and rushing knee-deep water poring over the edge I slowly edged across with the use of a long pole that Darren and Bill fashioned out of an alder.
For a waterfall that is off the beaten track I was surprised by the amount of litter and broken bottles. Darren said it is well known as a favorite swimming hole for thrill seekers wanting to jump from the cliff into the seemingly bottomless pool. Unfortunately a distracting feature is a burned vehicle located at the trailhead. At some point since Darren’s last visit a fool drove in and most likely tore the oil pan off and decided to burn it.