Big Creek has melted out quite a bit in just over a week. You can now park in the area in front of the gate. There is still snow on the trail as you get higher; extra traction is nice (though not needed). As the sun burned away the mist to reveal blue skies, we bucked our usual direction and went clockwise to reach the trail to the view faster. The trail is in great shape. There’s a lovely, brand new cedar bench just before the clearcut, courtesy (we assume) of those outstanding trail fairies, the Mt. Rose Trail Crew. Thank you! The snow gets deeper as you head up the Ellinor Connector trail. Sometimes it’s compact, and then suddenly it’s not. We felt a little like drunken pirates randomly listing and postholing in the soft, melting snow (often knee deep). Our light, little dog ran easily atop, wondering at our antics. There is quite a bit of small debris down on the connector trail, but it’s easily stepped over. It’s clear to see the way from prior hikers. Near the shoulder just below the view are two larger trees down over the trail. We saw two other people (+ a dog) on this trail and two on main trail, that was it. We stopped just shy of the viewpoint because the clouds had come back in again, and my husband kept postholing (he seems not to enjoy this). I love hiking this trail in the mist; it’s so pretty wisping and filtering through the trees. Pics (not many or glamorous, but show you condition) are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/51278183@N05/sets/72157632664595305/detail/

The road is clear, but the usual parking in front of the gate to the campground is not accessible due to snow, but there are about 5-6 spots cleared on the shoulder across the road. The road through the campground to the trailhead is all snow-covered, but well-compacted. The trail itself is a combination of bare spots and snow about ¼ up, then snow-covered. Everything is very well compacted, but not smooth. Snowshoes would be more hindrance than help, but traction is extremely helpful (yaxtrax or trekkers are perfect), especially on a day like today when the top levels of snow started melting. The trail is otherwise is beautiful shape. Some of the bridges are still a touch dicey. It was our puppy’s first snow hike, and we had to carry him across the brides at the confluence. We saw the most breathtaking sun-through-mist we have ever seen. Pics of the trail, the mighty Oliver puppy, and mist are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/51278183@N05/sets/72157632578979871/ We encountered the Mt. Rose Trail Crew around lunch (they were the only ones we saw all day). They put in a very nice, new drainage bar and ditch as well as sawing out several trees that blew down right across from the clearcut (don’t get me started). Some were gorgeous cedars which the crew plan to use for new benches. Thank you so much to the Mt. Rose Trail Crew for your unflagging dedication and top-notch work on this and many other trails in this area – you guys are THE BOMB!!!!

We had to park on the road and walked to the trail head, only a 5 minute walk. Trail picks up behind the picnic benches. We had our snow shoes but did not need them until 2 miles in. We decided to continue up further instead of doing just the loop. We only went up an extra mile. If you are doing just the loop you do not need your snow shoes. We did talk to a couple that were up there two weeks prior and said it was totally different and they needed their snow shoes almost the entire time. That shows you how much changed in just two weeks as we did not use our snow shoes until after the loop trail. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining brightly. Not too steep and a great hike in the woods. I look forward to going back in the summer.

Started a little later in the day than I wanted. Was going to try to hit Mt. Ellinor but didn't have the time. The drive to the Big Creek trail-head was clear with parking on the side of the road (the road going into the camp area was closed and completely snow covered). The Big Creek Trail itself had lots of snow pretty much the entire route. It wasn't fresh though, so snowshoes weren't a necessity. However the snow that was on the ground had a nice ice sheet over it making it rather slippery. If you don't bring snowshoes, I would suggest some type of traction for boots otherwise it's a bit dicey. All of the bridges are passable but they have a lot of snow; so much in fact that you have to climb across the bridge on the handrails at some points. Other than that it was a beautiful day!

Approach to Big Creek Campground from Forest Road 24 was accessible despite unexpected snow day before. Campground is closed for season but just park on the side of the road along Forest Road 24 and hike into campground to access trails. I used snowshoes on the trail, which had already been broken and somewhat packed down, but people were hiking in boots. There were obvious spots where hikers had "post-holed" through the snow (probably wishing they had snowshoes). Spots along trail with great views of Mt. Ellinor and Washington. Great sunny day to be out on snowshoes for the beginning of 2013!