I happened in the area of Big Creek again and decided to hit the Elinor connector on this trip. So here are a few things to note if you want to go up to the lookout. The sign at the peak of the Big Creek incline says 1 mile to the lookout. It's more like 1.4 miles and you pretty much double your elevation gain. It's steep, dry, and longer than you think it will be. It's worth it if you have the extra steam after the first half of the hike. If you tackle Big Creek clockwise, you will have just finished the monster incline. If you go counter clockwise, that's more of a weaving up and down rockier and diverse section of the hike (also it's the longer section of the loop). On the connector, once you go up, up, up, there will be a sign that says, RLOOK (I think it once said OVERLOOK). That's my best guess. Take the little trek up to the view, a place to sit, and catch your breath. I love the overlook no matter the sky.

Big Creek never disappoints. I arrived at 10:15 with 5 or 6 other cars in the lot. The bathrooms were in excellent condition and stocked with TP (no hand sanitizer). There were barely any wildflowers, just endless green, tons of moss covered trees, a handful of bridges, and a dose of running water. The water was flowing despite the insanely dry summer we're having. It looks like one of the more rickety bridges has been rebuilt. Amazing work parties. Thank you. I only saw/picked up one piece of trash on the trail and saw no dog poop bags. That is excellent! It was warm today and the incline on this hike is no joke, so bring your water! 

We arrived early, around 7:30AM. Only saw two other people, even though it was a sunny Saturday. The creek confluences were lovely and this was one of the most well maintained trails I've been on. Great to bring the pups and get a little bit of an elevation gain. Afterward we went over to Hama Hama for some oysters and drinks. Will definitely come back and do it again. 

Beautiful hike on cool sunny day with no bugs and no crowds.  Arrived at 10:30 (on Wed) and only 3 cars at parking lot.  My wife and I marveled at the perfect trail maintenance and frequent benches. The initial climb (clockwise) is fairly steep and straight.  Near the top, we took the link trail to Mt. Ellinor to a viewpoint.  About 1.5 miles up, there is a sign to the left "RVIEW" and it leads to another comfortable bench looking out on Lake Cushman.  This was the only long distance view of the hike.  After lunch there, we continued back to Big Creek and around the loop which zig zags down along the creek. 

So it was 8 or 9 miles total.  Fantastic forest and creek views mainly.  Highly recommended.  BTW, the USF campground was almost empty mid week.  As noted by others, the toilets were clean and well-stocked.

I loved the views on this trail but today the bugs were all over me so I had trouble taking my time to enjoy it. Couldn't stop for a two minute breather without mosquitoes on my neck. I had a pretty rough time with the climb despite doing fine on much longer/steeper hikes than this, but I blame the heat, bugs, and the nausea that set in early on. 

It's super hot this week so I was looking to get out and into the shade of some trees and was pleased to find the place basically empty on a friday morning. Plenty of campers but ran into almost no one on the trail itself. I'll definitely come back to give it another go when it's not 100 degrees. 

Something I liked a lot were how many benches and such there were, and all the hard work that's been put in to maintain the trail. It really shows. 

Oh, as mentioned in my prior trip report, the road work south of hoodsport is still ongoing. Early morning it's easy to get through but afternoon expect a 30+ minute wait.