Basic Backpacking Field Trip

Field trip: Basic Backpacking

Basic Backpacking Field Trip - Thunder Creek

This overnight field trip for the Basic Backpacking Course hikes along Thunder Creek in North Cascades National Park. A trip during the work week is good timing for this popular destination. This is the last scheduled activity for the course.

  • Easy
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.7 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 925 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 1,300 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph

We will meet at 12 Noon at the first parking lot area when entering Colonial Creek Campground in North Cascades National Park where there are public restrooms and large parking spaces for long vehicles. Anticipated boots-on-trail time: 12:30ish.

Thunder Creek/Neve Camp

  • This trail is a popular destination due to its accessibility year-round and family-friendly stats. Doing this trip before most schools are out and during the work week will give us the option for a later start time and generally comfortable easy/moderate pace.
  • Pace: Easy/Moderate. We will aim for 1.5-2 mph depending on the comfort pace of the collective.

About Basic Backpacking Field Trips

The Basic Backpacking Field Trip, or "student backpack", is the final scheduled activity of the Basic Backpacking Course.   For most students it will be their first overnight trip in the backcountry.  Student backpacks are usually single-night trips along Easy or Moderate routes that do not present any unusual technical challenges.   

Route/Place

Thunder Creek



  • Green Trails Diablo Dam No. 48

    Green Trails Mt Logan No. 49

    Green Trails McGregor Mtn No. 81

    Trails Illustrated North Cascades National Park
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

See course lectures and handouts.

Trip Reports