Big Creek — Saturday, Jun. 25, 2022

My spouse and I camped the night before so we could have an earlier relaxing start to the hike. Campgrounds were nice enough and on the cheaper side for state parks. There is a smaller hike/loop that we didn't explore. We attempted the big loop and took the suggestion to go left. It was beautiful with wild flowers, water, and mountain views. Not to crowded and the people there were friendly. However this trail while 'easy' and well maintained is up, up, and up. As in we're not sure it ever came back down, or even flattened out! It is not knee friendly at all. Bring lots of water and have a good amount of time set aside for this hike if you aren't used to lots of elevation or are newer to hiking. Going about a bit more then a third of the way, and about two thirds the elevation took us about 3 hours with my bad knees, and about 30 minutes back down when we realized our time was running short and turned around. Also, we recommend the bug spray. If you don't have the pass you can pay 5$ cash btw. Campgrounds were 20$ a night for the first car.