Thunder Knob is one of my favorite Washington hikes to date. This trail has a little bit of everything. The trailhead starts along the edge of a lake, with pebbled sand underfoot. Soon, the sand became packed earth as you approach a rushing river. I quite enjoyed walking on the bridges over the river, which were sturdy enough to feel secure but bouncy enough to make me feel extra adventurous. After the river, you'll hike by a couple marshy spots before the dirt underfoot transitions into stone. At the top of the knob, there is a stunning overlook of Diablo Lake. While this spot, perfect for photos, may seem like the turning-back point, the trail actually continues for ~0.5 mile more for a slightly different view of the lake. This is where the trail ends.
With so much scenery, the hike flew by and did not seem arduous in the slightest. In fact, I passed by families with a little boy hiking in duck crocs and twin toddlers hiking barefoot. Other than those handful of families, the trail was pretty quiet and peaceful on a Tuesday morning. There is not a ton of parking at the gravel lot at the trailhead, so on sunnier weekends, I imagine it would be a tighter squeeze. Regardless, the North Cascades area does not get nearly as busy as other natural areas in Washington state.
The drive to the trailhead was breathtaking and just as enjoyable as the hike itself, with waterfalls, mountain views, and scenic overlooks. I highly recommend driving a little ways down the road to stop at the Diablo Lake Overlook for information, a bathroom stop, and more scenic views. There is an outhouse near the trailhead if needed.
I only wish that this hike was a bit longer, or I had planned to camp and explore more of this beautiful area!
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