THE BIG CREEK OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUND

From Olympia on I-5, take Exit 104 for U.S. Highway 101/Highway 8. Drive north on U.S. 101 for 37 miles to Hoodsport and Lake Cushman Road (Highway 119) Trun left on Lake Cushman Road and drive nine miles (two miles morth of Camp Cushman) to the T intersection. Turn left and the cmapground is on the right. Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, Hoodsport Office 360/352-2569.

Bigcreek is an alternative to Staircase Camp on the North Fork of the Skokmish River and Camp Cushman. This is how we were first introduced to it and at the time thought little of the campground as a destination for itself. Upon returning to photograph it we decided otherwise. This is a lovely campground in itself, even if it is not on a river or a lake. You can here the soothing sounds of the burbling creek even if you can’t see it. There are amazing numbers of red hucklberry bushes. The sites are large and well spaced for privacy, covering over 30 acres. Most of the 23 sites have interesting individaul features and are well endowed with second growth forest, including an abundance of lace leaf maples that are gorgeous in the fall.. There are vault toilets, drinking water, and a great sheltered picnic area

This is the perfect campground for accessing a variety of trails from easy day trails to more challenging hikes. Big Creek runs adjacent to the campground which is the access point for the Big Creek Trail System, a four mile loop trail that is a treat in itself and leads to the trail head for Mount Elinor. These trails hook into the Mount Washington Trail, The Mount Rose Trail, and the Staircase Trail system.

Forest Service Infomation for Big Creek Campground