JULY1 THUNDER CREEK/4TH OF JULY

8:00-3:30

Moderate to hard. Easy option available

Summer hikes are subject to change depending on conditions. To be informed of changes, please join our email list.

MEETING TIME AND PLACE Meet before 8 am on the east side of the Sedro-Woolley Food Pavilion parking lot to sign in and arrange carpools.  

DRIVING DIRECTIONS The drive along Highway 20 to the trailhead will take about an hour and a half. Park at the far south end of the Colonial Creek campground.  

HIKE DESCRIPTION Hike up to 12 miles round trip, up to 1000 ft total elevation gain, on one of the best forest hikes in the North Cascades. For those of you who want a vertical challenge, about 2 miles in, you can take Fourth of July instead of hiking along the creek. The trip from the Thunder Creek Trail to the Fourth of July camp is 2.5 miles one way with an elevation gain of nearly 2000 ft, so it is not for the faint of heart. For those continuing along Thunder Creek (recommended!), near the horse camp by the huge washout at a bend in the creek is a good place to stop and have lunch before heading back to the parking lot. For those who want an easy option, walk the nature trail at the campground and/or take the Thunder Creek trail as far as the bridge over the river and back. To the bridge and back is 3 miles with 185 ft of elevation gain.  

RETURN 3:30 pm for hikers doing the harder options. You may leave when all in your car are safely back at the trailhead.  

Outhouse available at trailhead. Dogs are not allowed. No pass required. For trail conditions and weather updates, visit Thunder Creek — Washington Trails Association