Thunder Mountain Lakes — Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025

Completed a long (15 miles +) day hike to Thunder Mountain Lakes on a sunny Sunday holiday weekend.  Started at the Tunnel Creek TH at one car and hiked out on the Suprise Lake Trail where we had a second car waiting.  

Tunnel Creek a bit steep but not too bad.  PCT in great shape albeit pretty puffy with all the traffic and dry weather.  Berries are absolutely prime right now; even with all the hikers on this route.

Once we reached Trap Pass and departed the PCT it of course got more difficult.  Having been here a few times we knew what we were in for and this time it was easier.  Prior trips had some snow remaining in the ~3 gullies but not so this time.  No snow left at all, making it faster but not easier to traverse them.  Braided bootpaths abound, just make sure you're not stepping on any plants.

The lake is down maybe 1 foot in water level from the drain level.  We saw no goats this time, and about 4 tents pitched here and there.  Even one group that packed in an inflatable raft!

At some point I could see the Forest Service developing this area by decommissioning the braided trails and establishing a more "correct" route to reduce damage.  Maybe even a permit thing; although that comes with its own problems for them and us.  Not sure what the right approach is.