Finally took the high road across the Olympics, Obstruction Point to Quinault via Grand, Cameron, Lost and Hayden Pass (day one), Hayden Pass trail down, Elwah River up to Low Divide (day two), Skyline over Mt Seattle past Lake Beauty to Kimta Peak (day three), and a soggy finish along the south Skyline and out the beautiful drippy rain forest (and twemty seven trail frogs and two rain bears) of Big Creek to the Quinault. A bit of a rush (I've got to go revisit Hayden Pass and the cross country route to the back side of Mt Anderson, Elwha Basin, Martins Lakes, Tshelty trail, etc.), an amazing adventure indeed.

We did this hike on a HOT Sunday, over 90 degrees, so the shade was much appreciated. Contrary to the description in Romano's Day Hike book, this trail was not very much along the creek except right in the middle. It starts out in the campground, which was pretty full the day we went. Despite this, we had the entire trail to ourselves – not another (human) soul did we encounter. After leaving the campground loop, the trail crosses Big Creek on a very nice bridge, where you can go right or left. We did the loop clockwise, following the creek for just a big before heading uphill and leaving the water below. There were tons of benches and small bridges crossing what are apparently streamlets in wetter months. This entire trail is a paragon of thorough construction and maintenance – whoever worked this trail sets a goldmark standard! The smallest streamlet crossings (as in, maybe 2 feet wide) are crossed by sturdy little bridges. There is drainage throughout and tread wide enough for two nearly the whole way. At about 1 ¾ miles, there's a well-signed trail to a confluence of Big and Branch Creeks. Take it; this is the nicest bit of the hike, with lots of lovely rocks to sit on and watch the water tumbling by, peek-a-boo views of Mt. Washington one way and Ellinor the other, and delicious, cool water. It was so hot out even under the shade of the trees that my cotton shirt dried in less than an hour after dunking it in the creek. There are also little log bridges here, and good pools for kids to splash and wade in. After this little respite, the main trail continues by the water only for a short time before heading back along a hillside with a road (concealed from sight but not sound by trees, but not very busy) to the uphill side, perhaps the road to Ellinor trailhead? There are a couple other creeks to cross (again, on amazing bridges). Be sure to check out the sign at one of them (No Name? Maybe Skinwood, can't remember). You are not alone on this bridge after all!!! (kids especially will enjoy this surprise) Returning to the woods and huckleberry bushes, the trail heads back downhill to the creek, the bridge, and the campground. There were lots of red huckleberries along the way, and the number and size of them attested to how little used this trail is. I think this would be a wonderful hike for a rainy day and/or at a time that all those little bridges actually have some water under them. It would be a great hike for kids or if you're staying in the area and want a nice, easy hike. Total 5 miles including the trail to the confluence. Gain 900 feet according to Day Hikes book. Note there were lots of deer flies, some horseflies, and lots of mosquitoes who were on us like, well, flies every time we stopped EXCEPT by the water, where a breeze seemed to keep them away. More photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/51278183@N05/sets/ in "Big Creek" set.

The Mt Ellinor trail can be hiked from the Big Creek campground via the Upper Big Creek trail and the Mt Ellinor connector. The summit is clear of snow, although the Chute is a challenge, at least to me. I climbed along the cliff to the left then cut over. Even socked in with coming and going clouds, the views from Mt Ellinor are eye boggling, massive chumks of basaltic gigantism in all directions.

Hit the trail at 8:30 AM, beautiful day to hike, only one other car in the lot. Headed on up the road past the big gate and the new bridge is beautiful. Trail was in great condition all the way around on the loop. Many wonderful views of Mt. Elinor and Mt. Washington. Good hike, we took our time and checked out all that God had created so perfectly.

Parked at the Big Creek campground gate, and then hiked clockwise to the junction with the Ellinor Lower Trailhead, went to 3550 ft, and returned to finish the clockwise route. Loop was in great shape. THE NEW trail entry and register location got us for a few minutes of delay. The new trailhead is by the picnic gazzebo. All briges perfect. Only flower out was trillium. Hit snow at 3000'. Downed trees at 3100' and 3300'. Snow got sloppy, slippery, slushy at 3550 and turned us around. Still passable though with microspikes.