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!

The trail is snow-free and obstacle-free. Nice tread, gentle inclines, a pleasure to hike. Loved the variety of bridges, each of them safe for dog and human. What a great spring hike!

Trail is now snow-free and obstacle-free. Great tread and gentle inclines. Love the variety of bridges, each safe for a dog (and human) to cross. An enjoyable spring hike!

The Big Creek loop got more snow than I was expecting in the past week. On 4/15, it was entirely snow free. Today, there was at least a foot of snow at the higher end of the loop. The snow began about a mile into the hike as patchy slush, gradually getting deeper with increasing elevation. The narrow bridge at the top was a bit tricky as my feet tended to slide towards the edge of the bridge in the soft snow; certainly passable but something to be aware of and consider with your own comfort level. I managed it today without traction but would have been more comfortable with microspikes.

Arrived at the Big Creek trailhead/campground around 8:30 AM-- everything is still locked up and closed, toilets included. We followed the Big Creek loop-- Trail 827-- clockwise. The trail has had some wonderful TLC recently. Water bars are freshly cleared and fallen trees all cut from the trail-- thank you Mt. Rose Trail Crew!! The trail was dry and in great shape. Because we had two big, leashed dogs along, we only walked the loop for 4.8 miles; no Mt. Ellinor Connector or viewpoint either. Rain arrived as we were leaving...our early start worked for us today!!

#MemberAppreciation