Trail Overview
Big Creek Trail is a really scenic and unique single track that has frequent rock and root obstacles, crosses two waterfalls, and has fantastic views of Cora Lake and Mount Rainier. From the south end, the trail starts off of Towhead Gap Road, and starts climbing up a series of switchbacks right away. They are gradual and mild to start, on smooth dirt, but get steeper as you keep climbing. A few of the switchbacks have embedded roots or rocks on the inside corner which are sometimes dug out and blunt, making the switchback more technical. After about 10 switchbacks, you are done climbing, having gained about 600 feet elevation in less than a mile. You come up to a view of Mount Rainier with a perfect spot to take a break or a lunch stop. The trail descends for the rest of the route, mostly on a steep grade, with several moderate rock and root obstacles. They are often blunt dug out root ledges, or embedded rock faces, or a mixture of both. The most unique part of the trail is that it has two water crossings through the base of the Cora Falls and the Lower Cora Falls. The trail rides directly through the stream of water at the base of the falls. The rocks are very slippery through both of these sections, but the view is fantastic. The last descent down to Cora Lake Road is steep and deeply rutted, with lots of loose rocks. Overall it’s a really fun trail that takes you to several great views, with fun challenges throughout the route. This trail is open to motorized use from 7/1 to 2/29.
Difficulty
This is an intermediate trail due to several rock and root obstacles throughout the route, constant steep terrain, and sections with moderate exposure. There are also two water crossings that are very slick. The southern section has several moderate switchbacks as well.
