11. BIG CREEK LOOP

OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

Hike this circuitous route within the shadows of Mount Ellinor, and let BigCreek and its tumbling tributaries continuously charm and captivate you.This family-friendly loop swings around the Big Creek basin crossing that waterway and a handful of its tributaries on a series of bridges. And it leads to couple of side trails heading off to hidden cascades amongst boulders.

Big Creek can be hiked year round, but it’s best after a period of prolonged rainfall. Utilizing old logging roads and new tread, the all-volunteer Mount Rose Trail Crew built this delightful loop more than twenty year ago. The crew currently maintains 16 trails in the Olympic National Forest. The Big Creek Loop showcases their topnotch bridge building skills. For many, the bridges are the highlights of this hike. The trail starts from the Big Creek Campground. Here follow what is officially called the Upper Big Creek Loop Trail. The recommended direction is clockwise to take advantage of a gentler descent that will be easier on the knees.

The trail immediately crosses Big Creek on a sturdy bridge—one of two provided by contractors and not trail crew whom built bridges on site with area materials.

The trail briefly heads down stream along the creek before making a U-turn to begin ascending above it. Signed features and resting benches grace the way. At 1.8 miles come to a junction. Here the Creek Confluence Trail drops to the confluence of Big and Branch Creeks before looping back to the main trail.

The Big Creek Loop continues straight soon coming to a junction with the Mount Ellinor Connector Trail. The Connector Trail leads left 1.4 miles to the Mount Ellinor Trail and allows for a long and challenging ascent of the peak. The loop continues straight crossing Branch Creek on a good bridge before spanning Big Creek on a bridge above a gorgeous cascade.

The loop then descends skirting big mossy boulders and passing views of Big Creek. A short side trail heads right to drop back down to where Big and Branch Creeks meet. The main trail soon comes to bridged crossings of scenic Skinwood and No Name Creeks. It then passes a few giant firs that past loggers missed. At 4.0 miles it reaches a junction with the Campground Loop Trail which loops around the campground for 0.8 mile if you want to extend your hike. Otherwise, continue right a short distance to return to the trailhead.

Highlights: Cascading creeks, bridges, Pacific rhododendrons Distance: 4.2 miles round trip loop Elevation gain: 850 feet Difficulty: Moderate Permits: NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass Hiking Season: Year round Notes: When Big Creek Campground is closed, park at gate (but do not block it) and walk campground road to trailhead. Kid and Dog Friendly: Yes Trailhead Amenities: privy, picnic area, campground, water GPS waypoint: N47 29.599, W123 12.661 Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene;www.fs.usda.govMap: Green Trails Olympic Mountains E 168STrailhead Directions: From Shelton, travelnorth on US 101 for 15 miles to Hoodsport.Turn left onto SR 119, and proceed 9.3 mileswest to a T intersection with FR 24. Turn left andthen immediately turn right into the Big Creek Campground continuing a short distance to the Day Use Area and trailhead.