Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July Pass and Thunder Creek

Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July Pass and Thunder Creek is an intense day trip with some of the most spectacular views you’ll be able to find in the area. It’ll be a grueling trek, but you’ll feel plenty accomplished at the end of it all.

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. You’ll turn left past camp at the junction and begin a straight-up slog to the summit. No beating around the bush—it’s a grind.

At the summit, enjoy truly splendid views, spotting Mount Baker in the distance. When you’re ready, retrace your steps to the trailhead or to your camp.