Thunder Creek Trail

Diablo Lake Area

Miles: 12 roundtrip

Elevation: 1,250 feet gained

After leaving the campground amphitheater, the trail follows the creek before crossing it to Thunder Camp. At about two miles you will come to a trail junction with Fourth of July Pass, stay right and soon cross a stream and another trail junction. This trail leads to Neve Camp with room for 4-5 tents.

Now the trail starts to climb and eventually leaves the creek until it crosses again three miles later just before McAlister Camp. The creek is more narrow now and with that, more picturesque. The larger camp is about a half of a mile beyond the bridge.

Get there: From I-5 take Highway 20 east past Marblemount and turn right into Colonial Creek Campground just past Milepost 130. The trailhead is about a half of a mile in near the amphitheater.