The trail, leading from the North Fork Quinault River Road, about a half mile short of its end, to the Queets-Quinault Divide, is in mostly good shape except for the usual drainage issues in the valley bottom during the first mile or so. All major blowdowns before the double creek crossing at 4 miles are from previous years and have been cut through. Only one new blowdown requiring a minor detour was noted in the following 2 miles. No snow was encountered in the first 6 miles in this very dry year.

This loop trail was snow free. Two of us did it clockwise up Irely Lake/Big Creek to Three Lakes and down to the North Fork on the Elip Creek Trail. We encountered mosquitoes when we camped at Three Lakes and some biting gnats (black flies?) at Elip Creek. It's a rough walk with water flowing in parts of the Big Creek trail and four blow downs we had to scramble over as we descended the Elip Creek trail. The Elip Creek campsite has suffered major and spectacular damage. Most of the campsites are gone and we camped out in the gravel of the washout. A trail crew was working on access when we were there and had repaired the North Fork trail from there south. It was an exemplary Olympics hike with magnificent trees marching far up the trail and high meadows that were lovely even in the blowing mist. Bunchberry, shooting star, avalanche lily, columbine, and elephant head were numerous. Frog song (and volume) at Three Lakes is noteworthy.

For those itchy-footed hikers staring across the Sound at the snows on Mt. Jupiter, willing them to melt faster, Upper Big Creek loop trail offers an opportunity both to take your mind off the calendar and to get those flabby gams back into some kind of shape. Despite the mild physical challenge and the unappetizing prospect of hiking through second growth forest, this trail is not without its rewards. The trail sets out clockwise from the Big Creek NFS campground, a roomy sprawl with an old-fashioned hand pump for sweet well water in a setting of densely packed spindles. Setting a brisk pace, the trail's moderate climb through smallish regrowth decked out in epiphytic finery will have you puffing by the time you get to the first point of interest, the confluence cutoff trail. If you're overheated, you're right on schedule to truly appreciate the twenty degree drop in temperature as you descend the spur trail to the confluence itself. Relax, bust out the water and Snickers, and stroll the streamside pebble beds. Back on the trail, numerous benches invite you to relax as you approach the crossing of Branch Creek, and enter the most interesting section of the trail. From here to the crossing of Big Creek, numerous picnic spots and nooks and crannies offer plenty of relaxing ways to enjoy some peace and tranquility. As you look around, notice the large sumps from the previous old growth forest. Compare the widely spaced stumps you see to the much more closely crowded young trees currently comprising this forest. An object lesson in what we've lost, what your children will never know. Upper Big Creek loop trail, in its four-plus miles, contains still more surprises, charming Parallel Creek, viewpoints showcasing Olympic giants, and a fairytale monster or two. For the most bloodcurdling scare of all, though, take the Mt. Ellinor connector up as far as the Lake Cushman overlook. When you see the devestation of the clearcuts on DNR land girdling the lake, you are seeing the future. Thanks Doug Sutherland, Commissioner of Public Lands, you've kept your promises and enriched your friends.

Three Lakes via the Big Creek trail was today's hiking destination. My hiking partner for the day, Lawful Joe, and I hit the trailhead off the Quinalt North Shore Drive at 9:30 AM. We made good time as the lower part of the trail was an easy grade and in good condition with no obstructions. Some of the forest areas on this lower part of the trail have some very large and beautiful trees that make one stop occasionally in wonderment. After crossing Big Creek, the trail's grade as well as our heart rates picked up some for about one mile. Lots of brown frogs kept us company on the trail giving us some assurance that the hole in the ozone layer hasn't gotten to all the world's frog populations. A conspicuous sign on the trail alerted us to the largest known yellow cedar which is well worth a brief stop for a picture and closer perusal. We began to hear the ringing of a chainsaw up the trail and shortly before arriving at Three Lakes, we encountered Dave the trail maintenance guy who was doing a splendid job of brushing the trail to make our way easier. Dave said he'll be spending the rest of the summer working up the Skyline trail from Three Lakes clearing whatever needs to be cleared. The mosquitoes and other assorted bugs at Three Lakes were a little heavy so we didn't stay too long. As long as we kept moving, the bugs didn't bug us too much. We maintained a steady pace on our descent and arrived at the trailhead at 5:00. Aside from Dave the trail maintenance guy, we only encountered one other party at the Irely Lake junction on the way out. This trail makes for a good day hike with a beautiful destination. Special thanks to Dave for getting this trail in great shape to hike. The icing on this cake was that instead of having to drive back home that evening, we were greeted by our adoring children and wives who were waiting for the intrepid hikers at Lawful Joe's Lake Quinalt cabin.

The trail has overgrown salmon berry on the lower end and overgrown huckleberry on the meadows. It is in the process of being cut back. All of the blow down has been cut out. The trail is rocky in some spots where the water runs down the trail. It took us four hours to three lakes where the fog choruses were excellent.

BIG CREEK TRAIL / IRELY LAKE / THREE LAKES / ELIP LOOP: Three Lakes and the Elip Loop Trail to Reflection Lake are under deep snow, with considerable avalanche exposure. Expect route navigation to be difficult. Map and compass advised. The trail to Irely Lake is snow-free. Trail closed to stock.