Thunder Mountain Hike
View PhotosThunder Mountain Hike
Difficulty Rating:
Thunder Mountain via Tunnel Creek Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail is a stellar hike, sometimes ranked by users as one of their favorites in the state. This 12.6mi trail is rated as hard and poles are recommended. Microspikes are also recommended near shoulder season. Expect light to moderate traffic.
Getting there
The trailhead for Thunder Mountain is off National Forest Development Road 6095.
About
Backcountry Campground | No |
When to do | June-October |
Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
Family friendly | No |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Out and back |
Thunder Mountain Hike
Elevation Graph
Weather
Thunder Mountain Hike Description
Thunder Mountain via Tunnel Creek Trail and the PCT is a spectacular hike. While it’s a long, tough one, the elevation gain is fairly gradual until the end and the views will keep you distracted. Poles are definitely recommended for this trek.
Begin from the trailhead. You’ll hike up along a creek past Hope Lake and a small tarn. You’ll climb into a series of small plateaus and bowls on the PCT before reaching Trap Lake, which is accessible on a spur trail. This first half of the hike is the hardest. After the lake, stay left on the ridge and continue to the tarns near the summit of Thunder Mountain. From here, you’ll retrace your steps to the trailhead once you’re ready.
Similar hikes to the Thunder Mountain Hike hike
Earl Peak via Bean Creek Trail
Earl Peak via Bean Creek Trail is a hard hike with varied scenery. The trail is 6.5mi long…
Seven Fingered Jack Hike
Seven Fingered Jack is a hike suitable for experienced hikers who are comfortable with loose rocky scrambles that lack a…
Little Giant Pass Hike
Little Giant Pass is a 8.5mi hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This hike is tough, but it’s kept…
Comments