Thunder Creek

Two hour travel time from Marysville P&R to the Wilderness Info Center in Marblemount. We obtained our permit and a loaned bear canister. As it was Friday, we were able to get a permit to McAllister Camp. We had been told the previous three weekends, all campsite permits along Thunder Creek had been issued.

Our group used the last available parking spaces for backpackers at the Colonial Creek Campground, near the amphitheater. Extra spaces seemed to be available near the entrance to the Campground.

It took us about three and one half hours to hike in. There was one small group at McAllister, so we essentially had any site to choose from . We chose the site along the river, just before the group site, and made camp.

Weather was mid 70's but high humidity. Partly cloudy. Some backpackers cooled off in the river, some sat on the bank with their feet in the frigid cool glacier water, and some just rested.

The trail was cleared but there were several blow downs in the campsite and several trees had been cut down. After supper we had a small short fire in the fire pit, for ambiance. Overnight temps in the 50's, nearly full moon, slight breeze - no mosquitoes (until the morning when the breeze was gone).

A lazy breakfast then headed-out. On the hike in, the forest seemed quiet, except for the thunder of the river. On the hike out it was alive with birds and squirrels. About two miles out of camp we observed bear scat on the trail but no sightings. Alpine lupine had bloomed and left but there was lots of trillium.

We met groups heading out for several of the campsites. (Neve campsite had already filled.) One group of three was striking out for Stehekin despite snow reported at Park Creek Pass.

It took us about three and one half hour hours to return to the TH. We stopped at the North Cascades Visitor's Center in Newhalem, MP 120. The NP spent money here! They had a theater, interpretive center, huge topographical map with locator lights, a fireplace, seating area, restrooms, bookstore... The two Park Rangers were both geologists and were able to answer our seemingly unending questions. We all learned why the water in Thunder Creek appears emerald green.

We returned our bear canister back at the WIC in Marblemount then stopped at the Marblemount Dinner for chocolate milkshakes and burgers before the drive home.