Big Creek — Thursday, Jun. 29, 2023

I recently hiked the Big Creek Loop and found it to be an unsung delight! It's unique beauty and interest is under-rated for sure. I recommend doing the loop clock-wise, thus putting the steeper, shorter up-hill at the beginning and giving your knees a nice break on the longer, easier down-hill. Lovely forest with varied exposure and characteristics depending on which side of a creek branch you are on. Very sweet sections at and near creek crossings. Great trail in excellent condition and seemingly little-traveled. Had anticipated a 2-star (for wonderfulness) hike; found it to be a 3+ star hike. Note: At a major trail junction on the trail going up, one can take a 1-mile side trip to a view point (of Mt. Elinor and surrounds). This trail also can be used as an access to Mt. Elinor. To hike the Big Creek Loop, you'll take the trail fork to the right.