Upper Big Creek Trail Trail Stats Trail: Upper Big Creek Trail Location: Olympic National Forest Distance: 4.7 miles (AllTrails.com) / 6.33 miles (we did some back tracking and down to the confluence viewpoint) Difficulty: Hard (Elevation change for creeky knees) ADA Accessible: Maybe!! The trails are well manicured. Grade Padme’s Paws: 1 (out of 4) My rating: C- (A to F) Summary Big Creek Trail in Olympic National Forest is a beautiful, well-maintained hike with creeks, forest views, and a rewarding lookout at the top. While the scenery is worth the effort, dog owners—especially those with leash-reactive pups—should be prepared for a narrow, busy trail with limited pull-off space and some sun exposure. Parking Parking for this trail is easy, but a little confusing—or at least it was for me. There’s a small lot right at the turn-off to the campground, and that’s where AllTrails marks the start of the hike. But that’s not actually the trailhead. I’d read some reviews on AllTrails that made it sound like there was a “lot” at the far end of the campground that would make hopping on the trail simple. I don’t love walking through campgrounds with Padme, since other dogs might be off-leash, so I was hoping to avoid that. I drove through the entire campground and eventually found an area with a sign that said “Trail Loop.” But that’s just a loop around the campground—not the actual trail.   Instead, once you’re in the campground and you see the host site, look just slightly up the road to your left. There’s a parking area with a payment kiosk and a set of toilets—that’s the spot you want. There’s also a sign for the Big Creek Trail there. Why It’s Good for Padme This trail is gorgeous and well-maintained, but I have to give it a lower score when it comes to Padme’s experience. It was busy enough that I couldn’t let her off-leash much at all. I let her splash in some water a couple of times, but the rest of the time she was on leash. There were still plenty of new smells, little creeks, and we were together—she even spotted a deer really close to us! On paper, all of that should make this a solid 4-Paw trail. But since she didn’t get to fully run and play like I’d hoped, it didn’t quite earn that rating for her.   There were also a lot of other dogs on the trail. Because Padme has some leash reactivity, I try to stick to quieter hikes. Sometimes trails have what I call “pull-off” spots where I can step aside with her so another dog can pass and I can use that time to reinforce calm behavior or just distract her. This trail didn’t really offer that. Yes, there were a few pull-offs, but not consistently—and in some spots, the trail edges dropped off pretty steeply. Trail Notes for Dog Owners Here are a few things worth knowing if you’re thinking of bringing your dog: This trail is stunning. On the day I went, it was warm, and while some stretches were shady, there were long sections in direct sun—which can get hot fast on Padme’s black fur. The trail is well maintained, but it often hugs hillsides, with a slope on one side and a steep drop-off on the other. There are a number of bridges, and some only have railings on one side. Padme tends to consider jumping into the water from bridges, so I kept a close eye on her at those spots. The elevation gain is over 1,000 feet—roughly the height of a 100-story building. AllTrails says the hike is about 4 miles, but I logged more than 6 by the time we finished. I ended up backtracking a few times to find safer spots for Padme, which added distance. I’d plan for at least 5 miles total. Dog size shouldn’t be an issue here, as long as your pup can handle the elevation and the distance. https://hikingwpadme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_5788.mp4 Why It’s Good for Me I was glad to finally check off a hike in Olympic National Forest from my bucket list. And like I’ve said, it really is beautiful. There’s a viewpoint at the top of the loop where two creeks meet. That spot alone made the hike worthwhile. Padme and I took some time there and hiked down a bit past the second creek so we could relax for a while. I gave this trail a C+—not just because it wasn’t ideal for Padme, but also because of my creaky knees. I know that’s not the trail’s fault, but it did affect how much I enjoyed it. That’s part of what trail reviews are for, right? AllTrails mentioned that going counterclockwise gives you a gentler climb and a steeper descent. I decided to go clockwise because downhill is harder on my knees, and I figured I’d rather do the harder part first and then coast down. In hindsight, the “gentle” slope was oversold. I’ve never wished I had hiking poles more. It wasn’t slick or muddy, just tough on the knees and feet. Poles would’ve helped with that. On the plus side, whoever designed this trail really wants you to take your time and enjoy it. There are benches everywhere. Some are new, some are basic, but they’re all perfect for sitting, giving your dog some water, taking a sip yourself—and maybe even sharing an apple with your best friend. One Last Thing This trail might not be a perfect fit for every dog, but with planning and patience, it can still be a memorable adventure. For me and Padme, it was a good reminder that a trail doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Get out there and take your dog on a hike!