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What makes Big Creek Trail a good hike for anybody are the many alternative destinations.
A mile and a half up, the trail crosses a footbridge that smells of cedar and horse hair. From the bridge, jagged tips of distant mountains tower in the depths of the canyon as whitewater rushes beneath the old planks.
The trail does not end at the beach. At times it wanders deep into the pine scented forest and at times brushes close up against waterfalls. Footbridges cross side streams, undergrowth leans over the damp path, and a wild energy prevails at every bend as the trail climbs gradually upward.
At the top of the trail is Big Creek Lake. Reaching the lake and returning in a single day is a challenging hike, about 18 miles, but there are many camping options on the way to the lake and at the lake itself.
Approximately five miles from the trailhead, a large clearing with huge boulders makes a killer campsite for those that might want to chill out earlier.
Big Creek Lake is enormous. Its dark blue waters stretches a mile across the high alpine basin at the base of snowcapped peaks. Several good camping sites are strung out around the edge of the lake in gentle green meadows, hidden in groves of trees or behind beautiful boulders.
Big Creek Trail is for fisherman, five-year olds, mountain men, friends, families and lovers. Go for it. Pack it in. Pack it out. Wilderness is everybody’s treasure! ~
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Reach
the trailhead by taking a right on Indian Prairie Loop just south of
Stevensville. Indian Prairie Loop heads west and then bends to the
south. When it T’s and begins to head east again (it’s a loop),
take a right. The new road, which is dirt, but well maintained,
forks shortly. Take a right at the fork, Big Creek trailhead is a
mile ahead.
Not
far after that, about two miles from the trailhead, is a sandy beach
where the creek is wide and calm. The beach attracts a lot of
sunlight and is an ideal place to picnic with girlfriends,
boyfriends, or the family before returning home.
