Big Hollow Trail #158

The Big Hollow Trail #158 is a 5 km point-to-point trail in Washington State, United States, gaining approximately 450 m of elevation on a steady ascent through Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Rated moderate, this forested canyon route threads two creek crossings and terminates at the Trapper Creek Wilderness boundary on Observation Trail #132 — a rewarding gateway into one of the Pacific Northwest's most scenic wilderness areas.

About the Big Hollow Trail #158

Tucked into the southern reaches of Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Skamania County, Washington, the Big Hollow Trail #158 is a compact yet rewarding point-to-point hike that punches well above its 5 km length. Starting at the Big Hollow Trailhead on Forest Road 64, the trail follows the Big Hollow Creek drainage northward, climbing steadily through second-growth forest and fire-recovery terrain before reaching the Trapper Creek Wilderness boundary where it meets Observation Trail #132.

The trail gains roughly 450 m over its 3.2-mile (5 km) length, making it a genuine workout despite the modest distance. Two fords of Big Hollow Creek and its tributary are the trail's most memorable features — and its biggest logistical consideration. The first ford at 0.8 km can run knee-deep or higher during spring snowmelt, so timing your visit matters enormously.

In 2020, the Big Hollow Fire burned through portions of this corridor. By 2024, the trail had been fully logged out for safe passage, and natural regeneration — fireweed, young conifers, and huckleberry — now fills the burn zone, giving the hike a striking contrast between standing snags and lush new growth. For hikers interested in post-fire forest ecology, it is a living classroom.

The trail is managed by the US Forest Service as part of the Wind River Ranger District. It connects to the broader Trapper Creek Wilderness trail network, making it a natural approach route for those heading to Observation Peak (981 m) via Trail #132. Most hikers complete the trail as an out-and-back or continue deeper into the wilderness, turning this 5 km segment into a longer multi-trail adventure.

Route Overview & Stages

The Big Hollow Trail #158 runs north from the Forest Road 64 trailhead to the Trapper Creek Wilderness boundary. The terrain is consistently uphill with a few flatter sections through the creek bottom. The two creek crossings have no bridges — plan for wet feet in all but the driest late-summer conditions.

Total: approximately 5 km / 450 m elevation gain. Experienced hikers can complete the one-way trail in 2–3 hours at a comfortable pace. Allow extra time if you plan to continue on Observation Trail #132 toward Observation Peak.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Big Hollow Trailhead (FR64): The starting point sits along Forest Road 64 in the Wind River valley. A kiosk with trail information and parking for approximately 6 vehicles marks the start. The roadside approach through second-growth alder and maple is a promising preview of the forest ahead.
• Big Hollow Creek Canyon: Within the first kilometre, the trail drops into the creek drainage, where towering Douglas fir and western red cedar line the steep canyon walls. In early morning, filtered light through the canopy creates atmospheric conditions that reward photographers.
• First Creek Ford at 0.8 km: The first crossing of Big Hollow Creek is the trail's most significant obstacle. The creek runs swift and cold year-round; in May and June it can reach 60 cm in depth and requires careful footing. Trekking poles are essential here.
• Dry Creek Trail #194 Junction: Just past the first ford, a signed junction marks the departure of Dry Creek Trail #194 heading south. This intersection turns Big Hollow into a network hub — day hikers can form a loop via Dry Creek if transport allows.
• 2020 Big Hollow Fire Recovery Zone: A significant portion of the mid-trail section passes through land burned in the 2020 fire. Standing silver snags rise above a carpet of fireweed, huckleberry, and young Douglas fir seedlings — a vivid reminder of the forest's capacity for renewal after wildfire.
• Second Fork of Big Hollow Creek: At 3.5 km (2.2 miles from the trailhead), the second ford crosses a tributary of Big Hollow Creek. This crossing is generally shallower than the first but can be slippery on algae-covered rocks in late season.
• Old-Growth Pockets Near the Wilderness Boundary: As the trail nears the Trapper Creek Wilderness, pockets of old-growth Douglas fir that survived the 2020 fire begin to appear. Trees here exceed 60 m in height and 200 years in age, offering a dramatic contrast to the fire-recovery terrain below.
• Trapper Creek Wilderness Boundary / Observation Trail #132: The trail's terminus is marked by a wilderness boundary sign and the junction with Observation Trail #132. From here, hikers can continue 3.2 km to Observation Peak (981 m), adding panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood to the day's itinerary.

Best Time to Hike the Big Hollow Trail #158

The Big Hollow Trail #158 is a seasonal hike shaped primarily by snowpack and creek levels. The Wind River drainage receives heavy precipitation between October and April, and spring snowmelt keeps the creek fords dangerously high through May and often into June.

July through September is the prime hiking window. By mid-July, creek levels have typically dropped to safe wading depths (30 cm or less at the first ford), the trail surface has dried out, and the 2020 fire recovery vegetation is at its most spectacular — huckleberries ripen in August, and fireweed blooms are vivid from mid-July onward.

August is the single best month to hike the Big Hollow Trail #158. As of 2026, daytime highs at trail elevation average 22–26°C with minimal rainfall, the creeks are at their lowest (making the fords straightforward), and huckleberries are ripe along the mid-trail fire recovery zone. Evening temperatures drop to around 10°C, making camp comfortable if you are continuing into the Trapper Creek Wilderness overnight.

Early October remains viable but brings falling leaves, shorter days, and the return of Pacific Northwest rain. Snow can arrive at Observation Trail junction elevations by late October. Avoid the trail entirely from November through June unless you have wilderness navigation skills and are prepared for post-fire hazard trees, which can fall without warning in strong wind.

Always check current trail conditions with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest recreation area page before departing, particularly for post-fire hazard tree alerts that can temporarily close segments of the route.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The Big Hollow Trail #158 is a half-day to full-day hike for most visitors, and overnight stays on the trail itself are uncommon given its short length. Hikers continuing into the Trapper Creek Wilderness can camp at dispersed wilderness sites beyond the trail's terminus — no designated huts or shelters exist along the route, so carry all camping equipment.

The nearest established campground is Panther Creek Campground, approximately 8 km from the trailhead via Forest Road 30, managed by the US Forest Service. Sites cost around $18–22 USD per night (approximately €16–20). The campground has vault toilets and potable water during the summer season.

In Carson, WA (22 km from the trailhead), Carson Hot Springs Resort offers motel rooms and cabins from approximately $120 USD per night (≈ €110). The natural mineral hot springs are an excellent post-hike recovery option. Vacation rentals are also available in the Wind River Valley through short-term rental platforms.

Getting There & Back

The trailhead is on Forest Road 64 in the Wind River area, Skamania County, Washington State. There is no public transport to the trailhead — a private vehicle or an organised car shuttle is required.

By car from Portland, OR (PDX area): The most common approach takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (80 km). Drive east on WA-14 along the Columbia River to Carson, WA, then north on Wind River Highway (which becomes Forest Road 30 past the forest boundary). At the junction near the Fish Hatchery, keep right on FR30 to Forest Road 64, turn left, and drive approximately 3 km to the Big Hollow Trailhead.

Nearest airport: Portland International Airport (PDX) is 80 km south and served by all major US carriers. Rental cars are available from all major providers at PDX. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 260 km north and is a less practical starting point for this trailhead.

Since this is a point-to-point trail, coordinate a vehicle shuttle between the Big Hollow Trailhead on FR64 and the Observation Trail #132 terminus if you plan a one-way traverse. Alternatively, return the same way for a 10 km out-and-back total — this is the option most day hikers choose.

Permits & Fees

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at the Big Hollow Trailhead. Day passes cost $5 USD (≈ €4.60) and annual passes $30 USD (≈ €27.50). Passes can be purchased at ranger stations in Carson, WA, or through Recreation.gov in advance of your visit.

No hiking permit is required for the Big Hollow Trail #158 itself. However, if you continue past the Trapper Creek Wilderness boundary onto Observation Trail #132, a free self-issue Wilderness Permit must be completed at the trailhead register box — required under the Wilderness Act to help the Forest Service manage visitor impact.

Open fires may be prohibited during fire season (typically July through September). Camp stoves are generally permitted year-round. Check current fire restrictions with the Wind River Ranger District before your trip.

Gear & Packing List

The Big Hollow Trail #158's creek crossings and fire-recovery terrain demand thoughtful gear choices. Trekking poles are non-negotiable for the two creek fords — they provide critical balance on a swift, rocky stream bottom in cold water. Waterproof boots or trail runners you are comfortable getting wet are both valid footwear choices; sandals are not appropriate for this terrain.

A 20–35 L daypack is sufficient for the day hike. If you are continuing into the Trapper Creek Wilderness overnight, opt for a 40–65 L pack with room for a shelter, a sleeping system, and a bear canister (recommended, though not required in this wilderness).

• Daypack: The Salomon ADV Skin 20 or Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28 keeps weight minimal on this short trail — both are well under 500 g and handle a full day kit comfortably.
• Overnight pack: The Osprey Aether 65 handles a full wilderness kit including bear protection, extra layers, and a multi-night food supply for exploring the Trapper Creek Wilderness beyond the Big Hollow terminus.
• Trekking poles: Essential for both creek crossings and the steep return descent on an out-and-back. Adjustable aluminium or carbon poles work equally well.
• Water filter or treatment tablets: Big Hollow Creek provides abundant water sources, but given the 2020 fire history and possible soil disturbance upstream, treat all water without exception.
• Packable rain jacket: The Wind River area can receive afternoon showers even in peak summer. A waterproof layer weighing under 300 g prevents a miserable descent.
• Low gaiters: Useful for keeping ash-mixed debris and trail dust out of footwear through the exposed fire recovery zone.
• Sunscreen and sun hat: The burned mid-section of the trail offers no canopy cover for roughly 3 km. Sun protection is essential from late June through September.

Planning an ultralight overnight into the Trapper Creek Wilderness? Read our Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026: 7 Sub-1 kg Packs Tested guide and our nutrition resource How Many Calories Do You Need Hiking a Full Day? before finalising your pack list.

Similar Trails You Might Like

The Big Hollow Trail #158 rewards hikers who enjoy forested canyon approaches, genuine creek crossings, and a wilderness gateway at the end. The trails below — each in the United States — offer a similar mix of earned solitude, meaningful elevation gain, and access to wider wilderness networks.

• South Kaibab Trail (United States) — A dramatic point-to-point descent through exposed Grand Canyon ridgelines to the Colorado River, with sweeping 360-degree views and zero shade.
• North Kaibab Trail (United States) — The Grand Canyon's longest maintained corridor, following Bright Angel Creek through a layered canyon ecosystem to Phantom Ranch on the Colorado River.
• Hidden Canyon (United States) — A compact Zion National Park slot-canyon route with chain-assisted sections; similar distance to Big Hollow with outsized red-rock scenery.
• Clouds Rest Trail (United States) — A Yosemite classic that climbs 600 m to one of the park's finest panoramic viewpoints above Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon.
• Panorama Trail (United States) — A Yosemite Valley loop linking Nevada and Vernal Falls with open granite terrain and constant waterfall drama.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Big Hollow Trail #158?

August is the optimal month. Creek levels at the two fords are at their lowest, the trail surface is dry, and huckleberries along the 2020 fire recovery zone are ripe. The broader window runs from mid-July through late September, before snow returns to higher elevations. Avoid May and June when Big Hollow Creek runs high from snowmelt and the first ford can exceed 60 cm in depth.

How difficult is the Big Hollow Trail #158?

The trail is rated moderate. The primary challenge is 450 m of sustained elevation gain over 5 km, combined with two unbridged creek crossings requiring confident footing in fast-moving water. The 2020 fire recovery zone adds exposed terrain and occasional blowdown. Hikers with basic trail fitness and trekking poles will find the route manageable. Check current hazard-tree alerts before visiting, as post-fire snags can fall unexpectedly.

How far can you hike per day on the Big Hollow Trail #158?

The Big Hollow Trail #158 covers 5 km one-way, typically completed in 2–3 hours. Most visitors do an out-and-back (10 km total) in a half-day. Hikers continuing on Observation Trail #132 toward Observation Peak (981 m) add roughly 6–7 km return, creating a full-day outing of 16–17 km. In the Trapper Creek Wilderness, daily distances of 10–15 km are comfortable for multi-night trips.

Where can I stay near the Big Hollow Trail #158?

The nearest established campground is Panther Creek Campground, roughly 8 km from the trailhead via FR30, with sites at approximately $20 USD (≈ €18) per night. Dispersed wilderness camping is available beyond the Trapper Creek Wilderness boundary at no cost. In Carson, WA (22 km), Carson Hot Springs Resort offers rooms from around $120 USD (≈ €110) per night, with natural mineral hot spring pools for post-hike recovery.

Do I need a permit to hike the Big Hollow Trail #158?

Parking requires a Northwest Forest Pass ($5 USD/day or $30 USD/year, approximately €4.60 / €27.50). No hiking permit is required for the trail itself. If you continue past the terminus into Trapper Creek Wilderness on Observation Trail #132, complete a free self-issue Wilderness Permit at the register box. During summer, verify current fire restrictions with the Wind River Ranger District before your visit.