Well maintained trail with several offshoots to explore.  Multiple trail marking signs to keep you on track or to add mileage to your route with intersecting trails/loops.  The recent days of rain had no impact on the trail conditions today as it was dry and all water crossings were secure with well built and structurally sound bridges or puncheons.

Definitely a moderate hike due to the elevation slope, but easily accomplished without trekking poles.  Suitable for entire family and less than athletic dogs as long as the pace is adjusted. Plenty of canopy coverage which helped maintain a comfortable air temperature and minimal sun exposure.

Even though there was campers in the campground, we encountered only a handful of other hikers.

According to rec_gov the campground opens for first come first serve starting May 16th (reservable dates start May 23rd), so you have a few days left to get this one in before the crowds descend. Campground host was already there, and there was also a tent set up in another campground - maybe helping with getting the campground ready for opening?

The gate at the entrance is open, so you can continue on to the day use parking lot inside the campground, allowing for much more parking than in the winter months (though there were still people parked along the road when we got back from our hike).  Vault toilets were reasonably clean (one on the left was much cleaner than the one on the right) and stocked with TP but no hand sanitizer. 

Thank you to the Mount Rose Trail Crew, who always has this trail in tip top shape.  We took the loop CW, heading up to the viewpoint on the way to the Mount Ellinor TH, and found no issues to report.  There was unfortunately a bit of trash left at the viewpoint, so we loaded it up and packed it out.

Flowers blooming included bleeding heart, yellow violet, trillium, vanilla leaf, hooker's fairy-bells, false solomon's seal, western star flowers, red elderberry, a rhododendron, and I think one dogwood but it was too far off trail for me to be certain.

Saw around 15 people on trail. Several dogs, but all were leashed and well behaved.

Gaia clocked the day at ~7.3 miles, +1830 ft gain.

Gorgeous day to hike Big Creek.

We arrived at the parking lot around 2:30 pm - many parking spots still available. There were vault toilets available near the trailhead. 

We started out on the trail heading clockwise and began a steady climb. We clocked a little over 800 feet of elevation gain by the time we reached the trail down to the confluence of streams. We encountered less than a half dozen people on our 5.4 mile trek (including time down at the confluence) and climbed a little over 1,140 feet of elevation. Several peek-a-boo views of the mountains were visible along the trail. 

Trail was well maintained; no garbage to note. A few dogs on trail but all were leashed and respectful. 

Wildflowers were beginning to bloom. No bugs. No snow. 

A great shoulder-season hike and one for cloudy/rainy days. 

Big creek is indeed big! Lovely forest, many bridges and benches, perfect trail conditions. We went CCW which seemed to be opposite to all the people we came across, but it was not bad, there was peek-a-boo view of Mt Ellinor and Mt Washington.

Campground was closed. Parking just outside the gate was full when we arrived around 2pm, so we parked along the road with many other vehicles.

Date: April 12, 2025
Location: Olympic National Forest, Washington
Trailhead: Big Creek Campground Trailhead
Route: Big Creek Loop Trail with spur to Lake Cushman Viewpoint
Distance: ~4.5 to 6 miles round-trip (depending on route and spur options)
Elevation Gain: ~1,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2.5 to 4 hours

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Trail Conditions (April 12, 2025):
• Snow Report: No snow on trail
• Bugs: None present
• Weather: A bit cold, especially in shaded sections
• Trail: Clear and well-maintained
• Falls: Big Creek had beautiful, flowing falls from spring runoff
• Scenery: Dense, lovely evergreen forest with a peaceful ambiance

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Trail Description:

Starting from the Big Creek Campground, the trailhead is easy to locate near the parking area. The Big Creek Loop Trail (Trail #827) winds through a stunning temperate rainforest filled with moss-draped firs and cedars. Early spring growth brings vibrant greens and gushing creeks.

The trail climbs gradually if you take the loop clockwise. Several picturesque wooden bridges cross Big Creek, offering views of cascading waterfalls and rushing water.

At about 2 miles in, take the spur trail to the Lake Cushman Viewpoint. The short uphill detour leads to a spectacular clearing overlooking Lake Cushman, framed by forested ridges. A Gray Jay made a memorable appearance at the overlook, adding to the magic of the moment.

Returning to the loop, you’ll descend along switchbacks with more peeks of the creek and forest beauty before arriving back at the campground.

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Wildlife & Nature Highlights:
• Birds: Gray Jay, woodpeckers, and songbirds
• Flora: Mosses, sword ferns, and budding wildflowers
• Scenic Points: Waterfalls on Big Creek and the Lake Cushman viewpoint

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Trail Notes & Tips:
• Parking: Big Creek Campground has plenty of parking (though it can fill up on weekends)
• Restrooms: Vault toilets available
• Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Gear: Light layers for cool weather, waterproof boots for creek-side trail sections