Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek

Fourth of July Pass is most often accessed by way of Thunder Creek. This hike is not too busy and it offers views of the surrounding mountains from under the trees. There are lovely camping spots and good places to enjoy your lunch on the trail.

This route occasionally suffers from downed trees, and although they’re periodically cleared, you may need to navigate around recent blowdown.

Begin from the road leading southeast of the campground. You’ll hike a mostly flat path along Thunder Creek for two miles. About a third of a mile past the bridge, go left onto the Fourth of July Pass Trail.

You’ll now begin to gain elevation more aggressively, climbing around 2000ft in about 2.5mi. The end of the climb sees you arrive at Fourth of July Camp. Look out over Colonial Peak, Snowfield Peak, and Neve Glacier. Take a moment to rest here before continuing on to the pass.

You’ll only need to hike another almost-mile to the pass at 3600ft and it’s a gradual trek to get there. Enjoy even better views here. Once you’re done, you’ll retrace your steps back to the trailhead on the same route you came up on.