Apr 29

Apr 29 A Must Stop for Hikers going Over the North Cascades Highway!

Why not try this on any pass or hotspot you travel through this summer?

My family took a trip up to Diablo Lake on Highway 20 this past weekend. Instead of stopping at the overlook parking area, we decided to stretch our legs on a hike. We chose the Thunder Knob Trail across from Colonial Campground.

This is a very mellow and beautiful climb. There were perfectly placed benches for our 6-year old daughter to dramitically sprawl onto. About halfway up the path there is a cluster of benches at a perfect viewpoint of Colonial Mountain.

There is a small pond just before the end of the trail and the way meanders down around it. About another half of a mile, the views are possibly better than the parking viewpoint on the highway because there are more mountains to see.

The roundtrip is only 3.6 miles with 600 feet gained. There are seasonal bridges over Colonial Creek that, when not in place, can be a bit sketchy to cross. Luckily, the creek crossing is within the first quarter mile, so if they are not in place, you will be able to evaluate the severity before getting too far. The bridges were not in place on our hike, but there were a few options, including a series of small logs that served as a nice bridge.

Next time you are headed to this area... Stop and go for a hike!