Facility · Washington ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Olympic National Forest (NF) · Open Access
This trail passes through mature second growth and affords the hiker an excellent walk in the forest. Upper Big Creek Loop Trail #827.1 makes a four mile loop around Big Creek Basin. To access the trail, start at the picnic shelter, cross the lower Big Creek Bridge and then turn left. The trail proceeds in a northerly direction for 1.7 miles to a bridge across Branch Creek. Near this point a side loop trail goes to the confluence of Big and Branch Creeks. From Branch Creek, Mt. Ellinor Connector Trail #827.2 connects the Loop trail to the Lower Mt. Ellinor trail in 1.3 miles. The Loop trail runs northeasterly 400 to the Big Creek Bridge then continues, crossing several creeks, until the campground is reentered at 4.0 miles. Each creek crossing and confluence are excellent places to enjoy lunch (benches provided) in beautiful surroundings.
Via trails Big Creek Upper Loop Trail #827.1, Mt. Ellinor Connector Trail #827.2, and Mt. Ellinor Trail #812, a hiker can trace the historic climbing route from Big Creek Campgound to the summit of Mt. Ellinor, total 6.2 miles.
Access from Big Creek Trailhead.
47.49368, -123.21178 · 47°29'37.2"N 123°12'42.4"W
Typically 76°F in Jul, down to 44°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 48 | 53 | 58 | 65 | 70 | 76 | 76 | 69 | 58 | 50 | 44 |
| Low °F | 36 | 35 | 37 | 40 | 46 | 50 | 54 | 54 | 50 | 44 | 39 | 35 |
| Precip in | 15.5 | 9.2 | 9.9 | 6.1 | 3.0 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 3.0 | 9.1 | 15.7 | 16.2 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-08-10.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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