Was spending the weekend exploring the NCNP area from Colonial Creek Campground. After setting up camp we decided to do Thunder Knob before heading back to fix dinner and enjoy a nice fire. 

This is a hike for any level with huge payoffs. Its moderate in length and gain, with outstanding views of Pyramid and Colonial peaks. Once you reach the top, a rocky butte style area, you get great looks at Sourdough also looming above Diablo Lake. 

Even though we had a parking spot for our campsite, it appeared there was ample day use parking in the main lot in addition to the designated TH-area along 20. This could be a nice low-key hike if you are staying closer to Newhalem. 

Can't leave out the sound and sight of Thunder Creek crashing through the lower levels. Some of the sites that are reservable are placed close to the creek- plan to get one next time. 

Overall a wonderful time with minimal effort. Only downside was since I had my zebra-striped romper on I got asked for autographs multiple times, but I suppose thats the price of celebrity. 

Get there soon! 

We were looking for a not too strenuous hike, that still provided some nice views.  This trail was perfect for what we were after.  There is a sign for the trail on highway 20, right next to the Colonial Creek campground.  Parking for the trail is along highway 20, just to the right of the campground entrance. Plenty of parking up to 10 am, but after that all spots were taken. You will walk past the campground bathrooms to get to the trail which is convenient.  The bathrooms were very clean with real proper toilets! Once you cross the bridge over the river it's a gradual steady incline all the way up, with lots of little benches to stop and sit to rest or enjoy the scenery.  After the hike, I would recommend walking down to the beach along the gorgeous Diablo Lake, which is easily accessible from the same parking area.

We decided to spend a day in the North Cascades soaking in sun and views. This was our first hike as we wanted to beat the crowds. The trail is in good shape and easily followed. If you're not camping park by the TH sign in the parking lot by the road. Great easy trail with good views and some flowers out. Death camas, small spotted monkeyflower, saxifrage and purple penstemon. We could see the avalanche shutes and the snow cracks on the surrounding mtns by zooming in, melting fast! 

Parking for this trailhead is directly across Hwy 20 from the Colonial Creek Campground (on the left if you are heading east). Restroom facilities available just past the trailhead parking in the campground.

This is a great little short hike that offers some lovely views along the way of Colonial and Pyramid Peaks, and once at the top down to Diablo Lake. The trail climbs gently but steadily, starting out in shaded forest with ferns, moss and vine maples. This soon changes to more open and drier terrain, with a lovely little wildflower meadow, now blooming with meadow death camas, paintbrush, and little saxifrages. There are lots of little benches along the way, several with great views of the surrounding peaks. While the trail is well-groomed, there are some sections where is is a bit rocky; sturdy walking shoes are a plus. There is a smallish tarn about halfway up which later in the season is a breeding ground for mosquitos, bit today was clear and still, not a bug in sight.

The views from the top of the knob are great, looking down towards Diablo with views of Sourdough Mountain and Davis Peak. A short side spur takes you to another overlook which offers a nice view of Ruby Mountain and peek-a-boos through the trees of more of the lake.

With the holiday weekend, the campgrounds were full, but suprisingly there were few people on this trail.