Fourth of July Pass #758

The trail to Fourth of July Pass from Thunder Creek, is in good shape although steep and eroded in spots. From the Thunder Creek junction, the trail climbs steeply in tight switchpacks. Trees mostly block the views but the shade is welcome. After gaining 500 feet, the grade eases off, and the trail traverses the slope for a pleasant half mile, passing through numerous cool ravines with splashing creeks. The trail crosses one last wooded flat, then resumes the steep climb, which doesn't cease until the trail arrives at Fourth of July Camp. At the camp openings in the tree cover provide glimpses of massive, glacier-capped Cascade peaks. Bugs are few, mostly mosquitoes. There is no snow anywhere nearby, in fact things have gotten rather dry and dusty. A side trail leads to more camps and a source of water.

It's worth continuing on the Fourth of July trail a short distance further to a rocky ledge overlooking the Panther Potholes. Fourth of July Pass itself is deeply wooded and viewless. I looked around for the start of the abandoned Ruby Mountain trail, but didn't find it.