If you plan to hit this hike early in the morning in winter conditions, the snow plows may not have cleared the road yet. And if there was just a wind storm, expect downed trees. The drive to the closed Big Creek Campgrounds was slow-going. There was snow and a number of downed trees over the road. The return trip was lush and nicely plowed (thank you road crews!). I learned last year, if conditions are wintery or questionable, go clockwise. It's easiest to turn around and usually has less snow or at least more manageable snow. That was the case again today. The bridges on the lower parts of trail along with the initial incline were slippery with slush. Past Dick's Rock the snow gets a little deeper. It's only a few inches deep right now and solid so spikes or snowshowes weren't necessary (but I'm a spikes girl if I start slipping in snow, so I donned my awesome pair). The upper bridges were all okay. There's a mudslide about ten minutes before Skinwood Creek bridge. There are a number of downed trees over the trail from beginning to end, some broken, some just bent with the weight of wet snow. It's not a quick blaze through this beautiful trail right now, but it's still an amazing experience. Plus, I don't think I've seen bright fall colors and snow together. That was super neato. Happy trails.

I've been off the trails for two months to heal wrecked knees and Big Creek in the fall was worth the wait. First off, the drive is beautiful. A lot of trees are past their prime fall color display with a lot more that haven't even turned yet. You have to park either off the side of the road or in the small space before the locked campgrounds. Sadly, the bathrooms are locked. The trail is in amazing shape. All the wear and tear from last winter including the eroded trail section near the Skinwood Creek bridge is shored up. Many many thanks for the attentive maintenance on this trail. Even the damaged bridge has been repaired. If you go clockwise you get the elevation in two steep burts with a nice plateau in the middle. The fall colors are mostly variations of yellow with a lot of brown. The moss is spectacular as usual. The bridges are all so PNW. And the water! It's running, but it's low. You still get the sound effects of rushing water, just not the breath catching spectacle. It will come. Happy trekking!

Big Creek is often my “go to” hike for a quiet, close in, trek.  The trail is very well kept and a decent workout with approximately 1,800 feet gain up to the overlook.  It is mostly deep woods, so is a good hot weather option.

Hiked clockwise as previous trip report suggested. Good burn in the legs. Did not hike to the viewpoint but will come back later. Fine weather with lots of people out hiking for Labor Day, although not many going the same direction. Several dogs--all on leashes, which was good to see. Plenty of space in the parking lot even for my afternoon hike. Had to use bug spray once while taking a break on a bench, but they weren't too annoying.

It's the first time my other half and I hiked this area. I was trying to sell her a climb to Mount Ellinor but immediately overruled. So I backed off to plan B: a 5-mile loop hike.

We randomly picked counter-clockwise route. Turned out this is an easier option. It starts flat and gradually gains elevation to reach the highest point before straight downhill. However if we hike again we would start clockwise, and definitely visit the viewpoint that we gave up today. For myself the campground would be my starting point to Ellinor, about 6.2 miles one way, well within my range.

The trail is well maintained and all signages appear freshly new. It even has benches spread out along the entire loop !