Big Meadow Lake

The site of a former homestead, Big Meadow Lake is nestled in a beautiful setting of forested mountains. Tucked away on the backroads, the area offers hiking, camping, fishing, birding, and canoeing. The lake and wetlands provide habitat for white-tailed and mule deer, beaver and bufflehead, loons, moose, bald eagle, and black bear.  The Meadow Creek Trail (2.9 miles) and the Meadow Lake Trail (1.9 miles) wind around wetlands and the lakeshore.

The Meadow Creek Trail (USFS #125) begins just west of the parking area near the campground entrance. The first 0.3 mile of trail is paved and leads to a re-located fire lookout set up for wildlife viewing, but currently closed. Turn left at the first junction and continue on the Meadow Creek Trail. At 0.7 mile turn right on a spur trail to see a replica homestead cabin. Double back to the main trail and continue west, crossing Meadow Creek on a well-built footbridge. The trail then winds southeast for about a mile and ends at the campground road. From there you can turn left on the road and return to your starting point, or you can turn right and extend your hike with the Meadow Lake Trail.

The trailhead for the Meadow Lake Trail (USFS #126) is at the campground loop farthest south. The trail winds around the lake and includes a set of informative signs about local flora and fauna, the effort of an Eagle Scout project. The trail ends at the camp road on the north end of the campground.

Big Meadow Lake Campground has 16 campsites, a primitive boat ramp (non-motorized boats only), an accessible dock, and vault toilets, but no drinking water.  There is no fee for camping or day use.