Hikeoftheweek.com

Quick Facts

Location: Ross Lake NRA, North Cascades Scenic Highway

Land Agency: National Park Service

Roundtrip: 10.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,350 feet

Green Trails Map: Diablo, WA- No. 48

Special Note: Dogs must be leashed.

Contact: North Cascades National Park Visitors Center Newhalem; (206) 386-4495 ext. 11; www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm

Access: From Marblemount follow the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) east for 24 miles turning right into the Colonial Creek Campground. Head to Thunder Creek trailhead located near the amphitheatre.

The views from Fourth of July Pass in the North Cascades won’t exactly set off any fireworks—the pass is low and forested—but hiking to it through old-growth forests in one of the most stunning park complexes in the country is plenty to celebrate. 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, a part of the North Cascades National Park complex.

This year’s cool and wet spring has kept many of our alpine regions buried under a blanket of snow. But, Fourth of July Pass is free from the winter blanket. Start on the Thunder Creek Trail, following this glacial fed waterway through a primeval forest that was old before Thomas Jefferson scribed the Declaration of Independence.

The trail immediately enters an impressive stand of old-growth forest. Hugging the thickly forested shore of Thunder Arm, an aquatic protrusion of Diablo Lake, pass the Thunder Woods Nature Trail, a recommended diversion. On still mornings and evenings catch glimpses of emerald ridges reflected on the placid turquoise waters of Thunder Arm.

Continue on a near level course under giant firs and cedars reaching Thunder Creek in about one mile. The old steel suspension bridge that once crossed Thunder Creek and thought by many hikers to be sturdy and reliable evidently wasn’t. The destructive floods of 2003 claimed it.

Travel alongside the west side of the creek, passing several inviting gravel bars. At 2.0 miles, the trail comes to a new bridge. Cross the creek here and pass through Thunder Camp set in a centuries old grove of behemoth firs. At 2.5 miles comes to a junction with the Fourth of July Pass Trail. Easy wanderings now end. The hike to the pass is a good conditioner. You’ll gain 2,200 feet in 2.5 miles! And once you get to this broad gap between Ruby Mountain and Red Mountain, there are no sweeping views to greet you! There are however a few nice window views to the Colonial and Snowfield snow masses to the west. And the little Panther Potholes just beneath the pass make for a placid spot to sit and reflect upon our nation’s founding and the freedom to roam our vast public parks and forests! Happy 4th of July everyone!

For information on trails around Fourth of July Pass, check out my Day Hiking North Cascades Book.