Visiting The “M*A*S*H” TV Series Filming Location!
Yes, this is an outdoor set for the classic TV show!
You can actually hike up a mountain to see where they filmed outdoor scenes for the classic TV series “M*A*S*H” – so I did!
Welcome To The “Backcountry Trailhead” At Malibu Creek State Park!
Yes, in the mountains overlooking Malibu and the Pacific Ocean, the creative team filmed scenes for the TV show “M*A*S*H” in this backcountry area – and you can hike to it!
Malibu Creek State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains, about 20 miles west of Hollywood…
As you can see, the trail is quite wide, with signs that clearly tell you where you can hike and how far it is…for me today, it was the “M*A*S*H” site in my sights!
The “hike” begins as more of a leisurely walk on a wide dirt road, with a dry creek bed on one side and plenty of shade as well…but that quickly changes:
After a half mile, you round a bend are are greeted by a pretty steep climb that goes on for about a half mile – and no shade…and along the way you see some of the impact of last year’s devastating wild fires in the area:
However, it was quickly clear that there was plenty of wild life in the area…beginning with my encounter with this wild rabbit – yes, he let me get pretty close before it was time to say goodbye:
In fact, I heard all sorts of critters in the brush…you see, this wide road was deceptive, because as I turned the corner, this was the path I needed to follow:
That’s right: you had to navigate this log in order to continue on the path to the filming site…about ten steps across, and while it was only a shallow creek, I didn’t want to get my shoes soaked:
From this point on, the trail just getting narrower and narrower – and I heard more “critters” in the brush all around me…since it was “rattlesnake season”, I kept an ear open:
After more than a mile of narrow paths, gradually going up the mountain, you round a corner and there is it!
You come across an abandoned ambulance first, then just past it sits the area where the show filmed their outdoor “Korea” scenes!
This sign gives you a bunch of interesting facts about the filming here – including how to know if the “outdoor” shot was done here on on a soundstage – if the Actors aren’t squinting, they shot that outside shot inside!
As you can see from the hilltop, we climbed up a bit to get here – and I had to get my favorite angle:
There aren’t any trees in this area, and on the day I was there, the temperature had pushed above 80 – luckily, they left some shade for us:
They also left a few Jeeps and trucks to fans to pose in front of, so I did:
One last fun item on the set: these are the signs that show how far they are from home – and I had to get a special shot of that as well!
And while th sign says that Burbank is 5,610 miles away, in reality it’s about 15!
On the walk back down, I came across some people out for a ride, since horse trails are plentiful here as well:
You can also veer off the regular trail to go see a small reservoir they have as well:
Overall, this was a beautiful hike that pushed me a little bit on the way up, and was a relaxing walk on the way down…and since it’s called Malibu Creek State Park, there is in fact a very peaceful creek:
Of course, I’ve shown you some terrific hikes in the mountains that sit on top of the Pacific Ocean at Malibu:
If walking Malibu’s beaches isn’t exhilarating enough, how about this?
Click here to see how much fun Solstice Canyon is – and it overlooks the Pacific Ocean!
If you enjoy these posts, PLEASE CLICK THE “LIKE” BUTTON BELOW SO I KNOW!
Also, why not subscribe and never miss out? It’s easy, and there are NO ads of any kind, just stuff I like, so click on the main page and “follow” me on the upper right!
Here’s an easy link to the main page:
I post daily – everything from great hikes to cult films, food, recipes, books and pop culture.
If you like this story, please share on social media! Thanks!
Categories: Exotic Travel, Hollywood, Memoirs, nature, Real Estate, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir, TV Show
Great show with some memorable characters. Very cool opportunity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it was a fun hike – good exercise and cool to find that spot! They also filmed some scenes for the original “Planet Of The Apes” film nearby as well…
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful to visit the M*A*S*H site. That was one great show, I was surprised at how difficult it was for you to hike there. Super post, John!
LikeLike
Wow, I had no idea it was shot there
LikeLike
Wow, this is so cool! The trail and hike are absolutely beautiful, and the MASH connection is iconic. Love that they left some props!
LikeLike
What a fun hike John! I’d love to see that someday. Except maybe for the rattlesnakes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t encounter any, just a LOT of rustling in the bushes around the trail!
LikeLike
Even scarier when you can’t see them! 😁 We hiked in Texas once in Guadalupe Natl Park and there was a sign about rattlesnakes resting on the trail. You can bet we were extra careful!
LikeLike
These are great pictures, John. I particularly like the pictures of the creek, it looks so green and so peaceful. A great place to visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was peaceful, a nice bit of exercise on the incline portion, and a fun place to see up close! Thanks for reading and sharing!
LikeLike
That would be cool to see. I guess you can only hike in. (or maybe be airlifted in and out by helicopter!) Incoming!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HA! I think there is a road from the other direction, but they don’t open it up to cars at all! Thanks for commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing! At the beginning of the pandemic we binged watched the entire series. Would love to go there one day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a good hike and fun to see up close1. Thanks for commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to do that hike, with the bonus of seeing the MASH filming location. I used to watch the TV show religiously. Thanks for the tour, John.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
I Loved Mash and will have to hike to the site someday! Great pictures, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, it was fun!
LikeLike
What a beautiful area!
LikeLike