Thunder Creek — Friday, Jul. 18, 2025

Hiked Thunder Creek and stayed for 2 nights at McAllister backcountry camp! Friday night 5 of the 8 sites were occupied, but I was the only backpacker on Saturday night. The group sites are very close by, so I could hear the family that was staying there. The hike in to McAllister is not challenging and follows along the river, not really any views to see coming in. McAllister camp doesn't offer many views either, just some glimpses of mountain tops. I did have a doe and her 2 fawns walk right along my tent 2 times which was cool to see her up close. I did a day hike up to Junction camp on Saturday and the views of glaciers is 100% worth the elevation gain, if you are physically able to carry all your gear up there I'd recommend that as your campsite for sure. I did see a mother black bear and her 2 cups maybe 100 feet off the trail between McAllister & Tricouni camps, but never any signs that they wandered closer. Trails were in great shape, camps were super well maintained. North Cascades is beautiful and there's plenty of solitude to be found! Across my 3 days and 2 nights, I passed maybe 30 other people - take your time to enjoy the nature you can find here!