There are two ways to attain Fourth of July Pass - from Thunder Creek or from Panther Creek. Both offer wonderful opportunities to travel along burbling, blue-green creeks. And both offer excellent views of the North Cascades and camping possibilities. Go out and back or stash a second car and do a traverse.

Probably the most scenic way to hike to Fourth of July Pass is from the Colonial Creek Campground on the Thunder Creek trail. The stats on this page reflect this hike. The trail starts out easy, as it gently wanders alongside Thunder Creek for 2 miles. One-third of a mile past the bridge, you'll reach the trail to Fourth of July Pass on the left. Taking this trail, you will soon begin a steep ascent, climbing 2000 feet in just 2.5 miles to Fourth of July Camp (3400'). You'll appreciate the cool forest cover as you climb, and then the views of Colonial Peak, Snowfield Peak and Neve Glacier as you near the camp. If backpacking, this is the place to stay - some of the camp spots have fabulous views.

From the camp, it is less than a mile to the pass - 3600' and 5.3 miles from the trailhead. On the way, you'll pass a nice overlook of the Panther Potholes just short of the pass. The view at the top of the pass isn't any better.

Alternatively, you can access the Pass from Panther Creek (parking at the East Bank trailhead between mileposts 138 & 139 on Hwy 20). The way is also pleasant, also alongside a burbling creek. But while it does have a camp, it is not as scenic. And hikers may be disheartened along the trail when it takes a surprising and unexplained turn downhill after having marched upwards for several hundred feet. Probably the best way to see this section is as a traverse from Colonial Creek Campground or the opposite. If you can swing two cars, the whole walk would be 11.7 miles.

Note that a backcountry camping permit is required for backpackers, obtainable from North Cascades National Park.