Thunder Mountain Lakes

After first visiting the Thunder Mountain Lakes the summer after high school with Logan, I knew my dad would enjoy the hike. Snow levels were at a record low, so I thought it was a good time of year for a nice long day hike for the two of us.

We started at the Tunnel Creek trailhead near the hairpin turn at Stevens Pass. In the woods where in early July the year before Logan and I lost the PCT trail in snow, this year was snow free with flower blooming in mid June!

PCT flowers
Green vegetation along the PCT.
PCT Flowers
More nice flowers with the Thunder Mountain peaks behind.

At Trap Pass, we left the PCT and started the cross country section to the Thunder Mountain Lakes. It turns out that, when not all snow covered, there’s a super nice unofficial trail around the ridge and past Slippery Slab Tower.

Thunder Mountain Trail
Along the way to the lakes.
Thunder Mountain Lake
Arriving at the upper Thunder Mountain Lake.

There were a few parties at the lake, but still not too many for a beautiful weekend day! This lake is still a hidden gem… at least for now.

Thunder Mountain Swim
Taking a cold dip in the lake.
Thunder Mountain Lakes
We found someone to take our photo.

While my dad napped at the lake, I took a quick scramble up Nimbus Peak. The very tip top is a boulder problem, so I stopped a few feet short. The views of Mt. Daniel, Hinman, and Stuart were very impressive.

Nimbus Peak Flowers
Flower even on the summit?!

I dropped back down to meet my dad at the saddle and then we began the hike back to the PCT.

GlacierNorth
Looking north to Glacier Peak through the cross country section.

Thunder Mountain Lakes is one of my favorite day hikes in the area with no crowds, beautiful scenery, and great scrambling all around. It was nice to be able to share this place with my dad!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *