Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek is a moderate hike used by both day hikers and backpackers. It’s lightly trafficked and 9.3mi in length, making for a nice, quiet mid-distance trek. North Cascades National Park Service Complex is a dynamic, natural environment where events and conditions are unpredictable. There is a possibility that trail and campground closures, environmental conditions (such as snow, high stream crossings, etc.), natural events (such as fires, aggressive animals, etc.), or other NPS management actions Thunder Creek/Fourth of July Pass is a strenuous, 10.5 mile round-trip day hike with 2,300 ft in elevation gain. The trail goes up Thunder Creek before cutting up steeply through forest to Fourth of July Pass. Drive SR 20 to Colonial Creek Campground in the North Cascades National Park. A journey to the west side of Fourth of July Pass follows popular Thunder Creek Trail and then heads steeply up the west slopes of the pass with occasional views out across the valley and the massifs of Snowfield and Colonial Peaks. The best views are from the camp. 1. Fourth of July Junction The Thunder Creek Trail begins at the South end of Colonial Creek Campground, alongside Thunder Arm on Lake Diablo. Start walking on a mostly level trail through Western Redcedar and Douglas Firs, keeping an eye out for ancient stumps with notches still visible from logging operations in the early 20th century. Look for glimpses of the brilliantly colored Thunder Arm In this video, a park ranger explains how the rock formation is all that remains of an ancestral wall that connected the canyon cliffs. 4. Fourth of July Pass, North Cascades National Park The view toward Davis Peak on the Fourth of July Pass trail in North Cascades National Park. There are two ways to attain Fourth of July Pass - from Thunder Creek or from Panther Creek. Both offer wonderful opportunities to travel along burbling, blue-green creeks, but access via Thunder Creek is truly stunning. Make it an out-and-back or stash a second car for a traverse. Two-night backpacking trip, overnighting at Fourth of July Pass, with a day hike up Ruby Mountain. This Independence Day cherish the freedom of the hills and give thanks for our national parks, a truly American ideal by celebrating in one of our national parks—the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, part of the North Cascades National Park complex. 12. Sulphur Mountain, North Cascades National Park 13. Lake Ingalls, Teanaway 14. Colonial Creek Campground to Fourth of July Pass, North Cascades 15. Marmot Pass, Buckhorn Wilderness Backpacking Season: What to Know Why Backpack Early in Washington? Packing Tips for Early Season Backpacking Early Season Backpacking FAQs Early Season Mount Baker region off the 524 Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway) Eastern slopes of the North Cascades past Washington Pass and near Mazama (Great for fall colors) What Gear should I bring while backpacking in the North Cascades region? There’s a good chance you’ll cover significant elevation gain for your North Cascades backpacking trips. 810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284Phone: 360 854-7200 Get to know this 9.7-mile out-and-back trail near Marblemount, Washington. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 24 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Ruby Mountain is a 7408-foot peak in the center of the North Cascades. It has one of the best panoramic views of the lakes, snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the North Cascades National Park. Backpack the beautiful Thunder Creek Trail and get amazing views of alpine lakes and mountain peaks. Starting at the Colonial Creek Campgrounds, the trail starts out fairly flat taking you along Thunder Creek for about two miles to the Fourth of July Pass trail head. Once you reach here, the trail begins to climb. The North Cascades boasts some of the biggest, finest views in the country, and quiet, contemplative hikes like Panther Creek can get lost in the mix. Nevertheless, it’s well worth hikers’ time to venture into these forests and meadows to ascend Fourth of July Pass. At 3600 feet (1097 m), Fourth of July Pass is one of the earliest passes to melt out. For this reason, it is popular in early season, but day hikers and backpackers looking for a short trip enjoy this hike all season long. For mountain and glacier views, turn off onto the 4th of July Pass Trail 0.1 miles (0.16 km) beyond the bridge. Difficulty: Moderately strenuous. Distance and elevation: 10 miles (16.1 km) roundtrip / 2,300 ft (700 m) elevation gain. Access: The trailhead is located at the south end of Colonial Creek Campground. Fourth of July Pass in Ross Lake National Recreation Area is surrounded by rugged terrain typical of the North Cascades. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in spring and fall to highs in the 70s during summer. Panther Camp is located in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area near North Cascades National Park. The terrain features forested areas and mountainous landscapes. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in winter to highs in the 70s during summer. Nearby attractions include Ross Lake and the scenic North Cascades Highway, offering opportunities for hiking and sightseeing.
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