My partner and I headed out for a 3-nighter in the Trapper Creek Wilderness over the long Holiday weekend. We hoped to do some sort of loop and began our trip at Big Hollow Trailhead East of the wilderness boundary. Our main hopes for the weekend were to get some time out of the city, and hopefully avoid the crowds on memorial day weekend. We were also hoping that higher elevations wouldn't be too snowy and that mosquitoes wouldn't be too bad. For less details and important take homes see the last paragraph.
Day 1: We left the trailhead (Big Hollow) around 3:00 PM, and our car was the only one there. We saw one party camping on Dry Creek Road (road 64). We decided to hike north up trail 158, then planned to hike south from the junction on the wilderness area boundary (on the west leg of the triangle) and find a place to camp. We climbed and climbed! We didn't realize that we'd be gaining 2200' of elevation in 3.8 miles, but I think it was better that way. On they way up we saw prints of bear and dog, and blooming wildflowers (dogwood, bunchberry, Oregon Grape). Perhaps 2 large trees across the trail were easy enough to navigate around, but did require some thought with heavy packs on. We got to the wilderness area boundary, which was followed by the trail junction. At the top of the "triangle" (this is 3 trail segments that form a triangle, each leg on average 0.4 miles in length) there was a good camp spot, but we passed it up because we were hoping to get further off the trail. We encountered 2-3 patches of snow on the trail but it wasn't an issue for passing/trail finding. There is a flat and wooded area south of the South junction of the triangle with several flat and secluded spots large enough for a 2 or 3-person tent. That's where we set up for the night. This area also was right near a small creek. On this day we might have seen 2 parties tops, but no other backpackers.
Day 2: Hiked North and East on the bottom leg of the triangle to get to the non-primitive trail to Observation point. This was a bit of a climb but nothing compared to our prior morning. The view was obstructed by the heavy mist/fog but we weren't disappointed; it's a good excuse to come back. The landscape was beautiful with grasses, low alpine plants, and wildflowers. The trek up is undoubtedly "worth it." We then headed down to trapper creek via observation ridge trail and big slide trail (#132 and #195 respectively). Although trail 195 is considered "primitive" it was easy to follow. very steep at times as reflected on the map. This was the wettest day, so we found a spot rather quickly. Several good spots are available on trapper creek trail ( #192) west of the junction with bid slide trail (#195). On day 2 I believe we only saw one party in the morning. That evening we saw 3 other tents near ours, but not in sight and I think all their occupants were in for the night by 5 PM.
Day 3: We hiked south to Trapper Creek Trailhead and then North along the Dry Creek Trail (#194). As a runner, I loved this trail. Sarah and I appreciated it's flatness and the full under story lit by sun after 2 days of rain and showers. The trail is relatively flat compared to other trails in the region and in places you can see it extend more than a quarter mile ahead. It mostly parallels "Dry" Creek, and we settled on a campsite just off the trail about 2 miles north of the trailhead. For Memorial Day, the Trapper Creek Trail wasn't too busy at all; this is definitely a great choice for a weekend that might be busy in other spots. We didn't see anyone along Dry Creek trail. We took a dip in Dry Creek and it was freezing. This creek offers several wonderful swimming spots (4+ feet deep).
Day 4: We woke up early and hiked out. North a few miles to the Big Hollow trailhead. We encountered the same creek crossing that we did on day 1. Easy to walk on logs and not get wet, but for those with poor balance or a large pack and sore legs it is worth getting your shoes wet- that's the choice we made. We got back to the trailhead and there was only a single other car, on Memorial Day!
Take homes: Snow on the trail was almost nonexistent and where it was present it was easy to navigate around. Bugs not an issue. Definitely a good place to beat the crowds. Self issue wilderness permits are FREE and at each trailhead. NW Forest Pass required. Observation point is definitely a trip highlight even if it's cloudy... The wilderness area offers a variety of landscape and trails. If you hope to hike a loop, expect some considerable elevation. Possibilities exist for an overnight as well without as much elevation gain. Overnight temps were probably in the high 30s at higher elevations. Water access abundant.
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