I went with a friend on a Friday morning, arriving at 8:45 am.  It was our first time hiking here, and our first hike of the year.  The gate to the campgrounds was locked, so we parked across the street, ePass on the dashboard, alongside 2 other cars.

We did the loop which was about 4 miles. There was one rushing creek, and other smaller creeks were only damp, but I imagined it would be filled with snowmelt later this summer.  The elevation gain was steady at points, nothing steep, but going on for a good 2-4 city blocks. A few flowering plants including trillium and Oregon grape.

Mount Ellinor peaked out from the treetops, bright with the morning sun.

The trail was solid and very well kept, signage was simple and clear, and the trail was dotted with benches, a nice resting spot or place to have lunch.  The bridges were as varied in design as the benches, all of them solid.

We had 2 signal bars on our phones, able to be in touch with loved ones as needed.

By noon, we returned to the trailhead after stopping at a restroom which didn't have toilet paper and had only one of the two rooms unlocked.  The gate was still locked.

This was a worthwhile hike, great way to ease into the season and enjoy the beauty of the Northwest with the amenities of a campground.

I started my hike just before 10AM on this warm, sunny Friday. The gate to the campground is still closed, and the bathrooms within the campground are still locked. The small lot was full, but plenty of parking available on road. I hiked the loop clockwise with a side trip up to the Elinor connector trail going as far as the lookout. Up there you see Lake Cushman and peek-a-boo views of Mt Rainier and Mt Adams. Had the lookout to myself for 15 minutes before heading back down.  Saw a couple parties on the way up, then nobody up the connector trail. Saw 2 parties heading up connector trail as I came down, then no one for the rest of my hike. Considering the amount of cars parked there, it felt surprisingly peaceful and hiked without being around anyone for most of it.  Lots of trillium in bloom, bleeding hearts and other wildflowers. Clocked 7.7 miles and almost 1700 ft of elevation. A great trail for spring!

we arrived late due to other things going on.  Beautiful weather and the trail is  in great shape.  We went to the overlook.  There were a couple of small trees across the trail on the upper section but no issues crossing.

This was a relatively easy, satisfying hike. Plenty of benches to rest at along the way. Trail in great condition. Fairly busy as it starts at a campground.

Sweet spring day on the Upper Big Creek trail. White and purple trillium, little yellow violets, and a few bleeding hearts sprinkle your way. The trail is in great condition, no mud or snow. I didn't hit the Ellinor connector for the viewpoint, so I don't know the condition of that section. If you want the elevation in one go, take a left at the fork to the first big bridge and go clockwise. My knees like this trail best in that direction. The water is massivly flowing. Happy hiking!