CHS 1 Hike - Big Creek Loop

We'll be venturing out to the SE corner of the Olympic Peninsula for this early-season CHS1 hike. The drive to Hoodsport from Seattle is long (~2 hrs depending on starting location) but the scenery can't be beat! We will all convene in Hoodsport before carpooling to the trailhead. I encourage you to organize your own carpools out to the Peninsula as well; consider using a free resource like GroupCarpool.com.

The hike begins with a steady ascent through the forests at the base of Mount Ellinor. After 1.5 miles, we'll cross the bridge spanning Big Creek and start descending parallel to its tumbling waters. We'll stop for our lunch break at the 2 mile mark. If we're lucky, we'll be able to nab a picnic spot atop some of the massive mossy boulders situated in the creek! There will be footbridges and other small creek crossings at various points; sturdy boots with good traction and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Check out the route on this Gaia GPS Map, and find out more about the hike from the WTA trail description. A Hello Hiker email with more details will be sent out the week before the hike. Feel free to reach out to me via email with any questions in the meantime.

We will meet at 9:00AM in the parking lot of the Hood Canal Market Fresh (24151 US-101, Hoodsport, WA 98548) to use the restrooms and consolidate carpools. Then we will drive 15-20 minutes to the trailhead (Big Creek Upper Loop #827.1, N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport, WA 98548). We'll have our boots and packs on ready to start our hike at 9:30 AM.

IMPORTANT: Toilets will most likely NOT be available at the trailhead since Big Creek Campground hasn't opened for the season. Please plan to use the bathroom before we leave Hoodsport and bring any supplies you might need to go to the bathroom in the woods during the hike.

NW Forest Pass Required.