Day-hiked Thunder Mountain from Tunnel Creek trailhead and loved it! From tunnel creek trailhead, follow the trail past Trap Lake (gps map available on AllTrails). 10/10 natural beauty. 4,200 ft elevation gain and took us 8 hours of active time. Started around 9 am. This was my first hike of the season and I don't hike super often (this was my longest hike ever) - I am a moderately active person and think its doable for most moderately active people as long as you pace yourself. Brought about 3 liters of water and a lifestraw just in case I ran out. It was an overcast day but I still drank almost all my water.
Getting to the trail head - pot-holed narrow dirt road (1 car width) up to trailhead, but doable for all vehicles probably if you go slow.
Trailhead - no bathrooms or water. Limited parking on side of road, probably room for 15 ish cars total. Getting there before 9 am on the weekend is a good idea. No trail pass seems to be needed, a free self-issued permit is available at the trailhead.
Trail conditions - only one very small patch of packed snow to cross, no traction devices needed. Otherwise trail is in good condition and easy to follow.
Seasonal info - beautiful fields of wildflowers right now!! Also lots of mosquitoes - drench yourself in bug spray. Soak your feet or take a swim in the lakes at the top - its ice cold but refreshing.
Difficulty - Does not require technical skill. There are 2 boulder fields to cross but probably take about 15 min total to cross. I used a full range of motion to clamber over them but rocks generally seemed big and steady - easier for people with longer legs. There are cairns marking the path but you should download an offline map just in case. I would not recommend this trail for people with a fear of heights as there are several section where the trail is very very narrow and there is a steep drop off to the side. A hiking pole was very helpful for the descent.
Pic of lake is not of the top most lake - could only upload 4 photos
Comments