Shining Creek Path Trail Head

9/13/23 Warning... Bears! Three people told me there weren't bears here, so i let my dogs off leash. 5-10 minutes in, we heard rustling, and my dog takes off after it. I look up, and there's a bear climbing a tree 50 feet in front of me. We got out of there fast. It was pretty scary.

As of writing this - July 29th, 2023 - there is in fact a big, potentially unpassable washout. There is a sign at the trailhead providing warning, and the washout itself is a little over a mile in. You could take Old Butt Knob Trail to the Shining Rock area, OR.... If you're stubborn and careful enough, you can try to pass the washout. :) My husband and I were able to pass with our two dogs. I would definitely consider it sketchy, though, and I wouldn't recommend it unless you're very sure footed and have experience on these trails. I also wouldn't recommend doing it in really wet conditions. It was already slippery and unstable enough without an added layer of water! But, that being said, the first mile of the trail is real moderate and gorgeous along the creek, so you might as well at least walk to the washout and then decide. Or, again, you can take Old Butt Knob Trail instead. Definitely a beautiful area! Overall, this trail is not for beginners. Slippery, some mud, very thin and eroding trails, lots of roots and rocks. Pretty decent elevation, too, once you hit the second mile. As an experienced hiker, I quite enjoyed it! But be aware it's not going to be a fast or easy hike. Well worth the amazing and near constant view of the creek.

We didn't hike the whole trail. We just went in a short ways and found steps that took us to the river bank and we enjoyed that area.

The trails are very difficult in places, which I love because it’s a good challenge. The hills aren’t too bad, but the trails are less than 1 foot wide in some places with a 6-10 foot drop into the river. It’s awesome. Totally worth it, and it’s one of my favorite spots in the world. If you go, just be careful.

The trail is washed out just short of two miles up, however, there are a few trails leading to some very nice spots along the creek.

Nice large gravel access at the Shining Creek Trail access area. There is plenty of room for several cars with a little bit of overflow parking in a space across the street.

Trails are obvious, even the side trails and one offs with no markings. Plenty of cut offs to the river, we wound just meandering and enjoying ourselves. I'll probably make the 90 minute journey at least one more time during my stay. Fantastic trail series.