Thunder Knob hike: 01/07/15

Hike: Thunder Knob

Date: 01/07/2015

Distance/Gain: 3.8 miles, 635 ft. of gain

Highest Point: 1875 ft

Rating: 6/10

Pros: Views, solitude, ease of hike

Cons: Blow downs, drive distance, many man made items in view.

After seeing that this was WTA's hike of the week, and with how much I love the North cascades, I decided this would be the hike for me. We got an early start on the road because it was a 1.5 hr drive. The road was bare/wet with no real issues, however HWY 20 is shut down just 4 miles up the road due to a slide.

The trailhead was vacant when we got there. We quickly geared up and began walking in 3" of snow that continued to get deeper from the parking lot. Following my GPS we quickly met a 6 foot wide stream that had about 8-10" of quick moving water. After trying some different crossing methods, we headed closer to the lake (Diablo) and found a snow covered log that seemed suitable.


After crossing you make your way through more snow to another stream crossing. This one was doable with some careful rock hopping. Once you find the trail through the 5" of snow, it is pretty easy to follow, even though there were no tracks from other hikers in it. There is enough melted spots to guide you the right way.

The trail has a few minor switch backs, but nothing to break a sweat over, and there are enough peek views to keep the trail entertaining. 

Once you get to the pond, the trail continues to the left, and wraps around the back of the pond, It is just a short walk from there to the first of two view points where you can see: Diablo Lake, the McMillan Spires, Stetattle Creek valley, etc. 


Continue down the trail to the final view point where there are more benches, and you can see Jacks Mountain, and HWY 20 winding through the Mountains ahead.

Heading back was an easy walk, and to our surprise we encountered a group of about 8 heading up the trail.

Overall this is a very easy hike. We never put on our spikes, or gaiters. The gaiters wouldn't have hurt, but they just went needed the day we went. As always be prepared and pack what you may need.