Big Creek (Olympic Peninsula)

A nice short narrows on Big Creek (Wynoochee Valley) located just above FR 22. While not a major destination in its own right, it's worth a visit if you're in the area and have a little time to spare. Can be run an hour (or less if you have a shuttle).

Follow FR 22 to the bridge where it crosses Big Creek. This is a good place to check the flow. The creek is not impressive from the bridge. Leave a car here and shuttle (or hike) east 0.2mi, then left on FR 2294. Follow for about 0.5mi when you can see the creek down through the trees on the left. Park along the side of the road. There was a wide shoulder as of 2020 with plenty of room for parking. Suit up on at the road and bushwhack down wherever is easiest and drop into Big Creek.

Head downstream about 5min. At first it is not very impressive. The creek then abruptly swings left and the scenery changes dramatically. Enter the narrows. In several places fallen logs span the narrows overhead dripping with ferns and other epiphytes. Be aware the current can be strong in places. Pass through a beautiful narrows below the logjam. Sadly, the narrows is short and sweet. The creek passes through an interesting area of bedrock channels, then opens out again. An old water gauge station DCL is a sign you're getting close to the bridge.

You can exit DCL up to the campsite, or, if occupied, continue to the bridge and exit DCL up to the road.