Big Creek Upper Loop #827.1 — Attraction in Shelton

Big Creek Upper Loop is a great 4.4 mile loop that is fabulous to hike year round. I suspect the forest is even more beautiful during the fall and winter months due to the abundance of moss in all forms and everywhere. The hike is listed as easy but in my opinion is more moderate. The elevation gain of 850 ft mostly all occurs in the first half of the hike with 2 pretty steep and long drawn out inclines. It is dog friendly and I think children would do just fine. The elderly and out of shape will be challenged. Thankfully there are a great amount of benches and resting spots conveniently located along the trail. The trail is well maintained with a few bridges that cross over the plethora or creeks and streams throughout the forest. Just a little over halfway through the loop you have the opportunity to split off to the Mt. Elinor trail which is another 4 miles. Also located here is the Big Creek Campground which is closed for the winter. The campground has a host but is a first come, first serve basis. Beautiful hike, highly...

This was an awesome hike! Accurately moderate but not the hardest trail I’ve ever been on. I believe we went counter clockwise as recommended on All Trails and hit most of the incline right as you hit mile one. Just as you’re convinced you can go no further, we hit the bridges and spent some time taking in the water and took the short detour to see the confluence. It was a good break before heading back down for the loop. Highly recommend bug spray! Do pack a roll of toilet paper for the car. We went to use the bathrooms at the trail head and there was none to use which consider it’s a campground, I thought those should have been stocked appropriately. However there is another bathroom (must be apart of the connected campsite) that we were able to use before getting into the trail too much. Bring cash to pay for parking as Discover Pass is not credible...

This is PUBLIC land that has now been closed so that a private company can log it. This is absurd stewardship of the PUBLIC land that should be accessible to all. They closed it in the peak of hiking season including a holiday weekend. It's now abundantly clear who this land is reserved for and I will not be back as people are not welcome due to the fact they interfere with destroying the land for profit.

When the trail is open you can count on listening to obnoxious diesel trucks and incredibly loud chainsaws for about 50% of your hike. Again, this area is for logging, not hiking, and the government does not want you to be here. Take the message and pick a...