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Thunder Creek


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Thunder Creek

Thunder Creek is an easy backpack of 13 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. The trail follows Thunder Creek through old-growth forests, passing many gravel bars on the way to the junction with McAllister Creek.

getting there

Drive SR-20 to Colonial Creek Campground in North Cascades National Park.

on the trail

Travel from Thunder Arm of Diablo Lake, along Thunder Creek as far as you like.  Enjoy occasional views of North Cascades peaks and glaciers, and seasonal abundant wildflowers or fall colors.

notes

  • For backpackers, camps are abundant, including Neve, McAllister, Tricouni, Junction, and Thunder Basin (just south of Park Creek Pass).
  • Many campsites accommodate four people. Be sure to check with the land manager for availability and permits.

information for leaders

Courses, paid clinics, staff-led programs, and course field trips require a Commercial Use Authorization. The Park typically accepts applications for 2-year CUAs  through mid-March each year, and CUA's are activity-specific. Please contact info@mountaineers.org if you would like to apply for a CUA for a field trip or paid clinic for an activity we do not already have a CUA for. Please follow all Mountaineers group guidelines when leading trips or courses in North Cascades National Park. 

Notes:

  • Leaders are responsible for securing backcountry permits or other required permits even if  we have a CUA.
  • Leaders must have all relevant CUAs with them in paper or electronic copy to show Parks Staff as requested. 
  • All Hiking course field trips or paid clinics must have a First aid and CPR certified leader. Current (non-expired) certificates must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip
  • All mountaineering field trips or paid clinics must have a WFR-certified leader and a leader with documented climbing certifications (an AMGA certification OR Mountaineers climb leader with a recent resume of training and experience). Both qualifications must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip

View list of current North Cascades CUAs

  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
  • Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: 12.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 650 ft
  • 1,900 ft
  • Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 4
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Green Trails Diablo Dam No. 48
  • Green Trails Mt Logan No. 49
  • Green Trails McGregor Mtn No. 81
  • Trails Illustrated North Cascades National Park
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Park Creek Pass
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