Big Creek — Saturday, Mar. 18, 2023

I chose the awesome Upper Big Creek trail with sunshine blazing all over the Pacific Northwest. Even though this is an interior water feature type of hike, I didn't want to miss out on the snow before it melts. The roads are clear. There are no bathrooms right now...hit Hoodsport before/afterwards. You can easily park on the side of the road or in the small lot before the locked campgrounds gate. There's intermittent snow from the start and you might notice right away that it's icy and slippery as heck. That's the quality of snow the whole way. No fun grippy stuff. You will slip and minimally post hole here and there even with traction. Just before the sign for the lookout stating it's one mile (more like 1.5), I donned my snowshoes. A few hikers went past saying they wish they had their snowshoes. I was feeling pretty good and then I stepped off the trail and sank to my hip. Yeah. You don't need snowshoes, but I learned on this hike when there's snow, the first half going clockwise can be easy-peasy and the second half can kick your butt with tons of snow. There is a lot more snow on the second half for sure. I ventured onto the Elinor lookout trail for a blip until I got spooked (not sure by what, but I listen when my instincts say turn around). There are a few downed trees, one you have to throw your leg over, one step over, and one move around it. Last thing, the bridges have all been cleared. That is a game changer for anyone worried about them based on past reviews. Spikes will help in the current snowy conditions. Snowshoes may be overkill but I was pleased as punch to have mine. Happy trekking!