My spouse and I camped the night before so we could have an earlier relaxing start to the hike. Campgrounds were nice enough and on the cheaper side for state parks. There is a smaller hike/loop that we didn't explore. We attempted the big loop and took the suggestion to go left. It was beautiful with wild flowers, water, and mountain views. Not to crowded and the people there were friendly. However this trail while 'easy' and well maintained is up, up, and up. As in we're not sure it ever came back down, or even flattened out! It is not knee friendly at all. Bring lots of water and have a good amount of time set aside for this hike if you aren't used to lots of elevation or are newer to hiking. Going about a bit more then a third of the way, and about two thirds the elevation took us about 3 hours with my bad knees, and about 30 minutes back down when we realized our time was running short and turned around. Also, we recommend the bug spray. If you don't have the pass you can pay 5$ cash btw. Campgrounds were 20$ a night for the first car.

Arrived at around 1030, around 10-12 cars in the lot, seemed fairly populated for a Tuesday. Trail in great condition as others have said. Followed the knee-friendly recommendation of going left when the loop starts, passed 3 other groups of hikers. I went the extra mile up the Mt. Ellinor connector because I wanted to eat lunch at some place that felt like a legit summit, no regrets as it was less populated and quieter than the main trail. Enjoyment sadly dampened at the top by a ton of bugs - nowhere else on the trail but very annoying at the top of the connector! I got the lunch view I wanted though.

Made a quick trip of Upper Big Creek today. The campground is open and the bathrooms are in excellent condition. At 9 a.m. on a Friday of a big holiday weekend, the lot had five cars in it and I only came across a small number of people on the trail. It was a lovely hike of solitude but with humanity nearby-a comfort. I've done Big Creek dozens of times and I still smile most of the way through the lush green. It's a delight to the senses. At the sign that says you can go left or right, I chose left (clockwise). That allows you to power through the incline in a shorter distance and is kinder on the knees. In the summer, it helps from slipping on the dry loose dirt. The water is raging without any hitting the actual trail. This is amazingly well engineered. Wildflower update: Dogwoods are blooming, bleeding hearts, violets, trilium, false solomon's seal (had to look that one up). Also, the banana slugs are making their voyage so look out for them.

Arrived at 8:30 to only a few cars at the entrance.  The trail is in amazing shape after much hard work by the trail crews.  Thank them if you see them on the trail!  Flowers are in bloom with more coming out.  

We went up to the overlook for a total of 7.5 miles and 1,755 feet gain.

we saw a few mosquito, but with warm weekend, I would bring the bug spray!

Such a lovely, well-maintained hike for this time of year.  Lots of flowers blooming- trillium, violets, bleeding hearts, and calypso orchids to name a few.