April Hikes: 2.5 - 5 miles, 250 - 1,000 feet gain - Big Creek Loop

My Goals and Expectations and My Hiking Style for this hike are as follows:

(1) Stay safe.
(2) Have an enjoyable time as a group in a beautiful place.
(3) We’ll aim for a 1.5-2 mph pace and adjust as needed so everyone is comfortable. Please note that my priority is to be inclusive, and that we will slow down if needed for everyone to participate comfortably and safely. Also, I personally am slow on uphills and downhills. If you are looking for a fast-paced hike, this may not be the best fit for you.  Also, please note that this hike is on the high end for length/gain for an April GoHike.  Feel free to contact me if you're unsure about your readiness for this hike.
(4) I like to do a mindfulness period of about 10 minutes during my hikes. This will be after the main snack break, so the group will have ample chances to chat and socialize prior to the mindfulness period. During this time, I will ask for everyone to be silent and focus on the environment around them, using all 5 senses for maximum enjoyment. I’ll let the group know when this will start and end. I’ll ask afterwards if anyone has anything they want to share; that’s totally voluntary, up to you.

We will meet at the Big Creek Loop Campground parking lot at 0900, and will plan to be hiking by 0915-0930.  NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass required for the campground lot.  Campground is closed, so no restrooms.  Hoodsport grocery store has port-a-potties in the parking lot (on your left as you enter Hoodsport from the south).   The campground parking lot is small, but you can park on the road across from the lot if it's full.  Please note: this trail is in a remote location, about 40 minutes from Hoodsport, and is most accessible for Olympia, Kitsap and Tacoma branch members.   If you're coming from Seattle or points east-north, you will be driving 2-3 hours each way.  Plan accordingly!  Fastest route is via I-5 to US 101 north (exit 104), then after about 29 miles, turn left onto WA 119 (N Lake Cushman Road) in Hoodsport, then after 9 miles the road will dead end and you'll see the campground parking lot in front of you at the intersection.