Backpack - Thunder Creek–Fourth of July Pass

This trip is particularly offered for B3 students who are ready to try a little more elevation gain while still staying within a straightforward overnight.  The leader will offer extra support and planning assistance to participants.

From WTA:  "The trail starts out easy as it gently wanders alongside turbulent Thunder Creek leaving Colonial Creek and heading upstream for two miles. One-third of a mile past the bridge, reach the trail to Fourth of July Pass on the left.

Take this trail, which marks the beginning of a steep ascent, climbing 2000 feet in just 2.5 miles to Fourth of July Camp at 3400 feet. You'll appreciate the cool forest cover as you climb, and when the forest gives way, it's to spectacular views of Colonial Peak, Snowfield Peak and Neve Glacier as you near the camp. If you're backpacking, this is the place to stay - some of the camp spots have fabulous views.

From the camp, it is less than a mile to the pass at 3600 feet. The pass is 5.3 miles from the trailhead. On the way, you'll pass a nice overlook of the Panther Potholes just short of the pass. The view at the top of the pass echoes what you have seen on the trail -- stunning views of jagged peaks and majestic glaciers."

We may take an optional short side trip up Ruby Mountain near camp.

Gear recommendations and weather info will be sent out by the leader in advance of the trip to help with gear planning.

We will meet at the Thunder Creek trailhead off the south Colonial Creek Campground parking lot at 9:30AM on Saturday July 11 - google map location  https://goo.gl/maps/fDCvkpTTWmwd93za6.  We should be back to the trailhead by early afternoon on Sunday July 12, but please don't make any plans for that afternoon in case we are delayed.