Big Creek — Tuesday, Jul. 9, 2024

Although this was one of these hottest days of our summer, the approximately 5.3 mile loop hike from the campground entrance parking lot was a great way to enjoy the outdoors and cool off on a mostly shaded hike. From trailhead sign we decided to go clockwise to the junction of Big Creek and Parallel Creek and rest at the lovely lunch bench at the bridge. The trail is wide, well maintained, and easy to follow.The clockwise approach seems to be a more gradual ascent than the route that most hikers who choose to ascend counterclockwise from the trailhead. On previous trips we observed that many families with younger hikers prefer this clockwise route. Kudos to the trail crews who have built some excellent benches and bridges along this approach and to the camp host who had maintained the clean pit toilets. The best part of the trip was lounging at the shaded preferred lunch spot at the juncture of Big creek and Parallel creek adjacent to the second bridge. The cold rushing water from Parallel Creek was a refreshing way to cool off tired toes. This trail is short but still a fun 4 season hike especially when you add a mandatory stop at either the Hoodsport coffee shop or Hunter farms for ice cream on the return.