Hey all, today I went hiking on a great trail in Mason county called Upper
Big Creek Loop Trail #827.1. It starts out of Big Creek Campground which is
just off SR 119 out of Hoodsport (on the way to Staircase). The entrance is
on F.S. Road #24, just after SR 119 joins.

The elevation is steep, the change is from 980' to 1,870', so it is quite
strenuous at times (especially for those of us who are out of shape). Nice
mature second growth, lots of hemlock. It is fairly sunny, and you get
great views (when clear like today) of Mt. Washington and Mt. Ellinor.

Only interesting bird sightings were a group of 7 GRAY JAYS right at the
campground gate (closed). Then at about 4:15 PM I heard a distant BARRED
OWL calling, I hooted back and we did that for a few rounds...although it is
possible it was just hooting and not really responding to my pathetic mimic.

That's it.

Jason Paulios
JPaulios at hotmail.com
Olympia, WA




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