Trailhead parking is the gravel area across from the Colonial Creek campground entrance. Good, clean flushing toilets at the campground. We started at about 10:15 am and there was only one other party hiking at that time. Trail starts along the creek and then starts gradually climbing with many switchbacks. Pretty easy though--we're not in great shape and did fine. The upper part of the trail is pretty open and exposed, not a lot of shade, so bring sunscreen and a hat. Next time I think we'll start even earlier to keep a little cooler on a sunny day. Good spots to eat your lunch and some nice views. The pup appreciated the cool creek at the bottom on the return. There were 3-4 other parties on their way up by the time we were on our return, and the lot was mostly full at that time too. I think we got back to the truck about 12:30 pm. Nice little hike on a gorgeous NW day.

We camped out and took advantage of the last no-services fee-free day of camping in the NCNP at the Colonial Creek Campground across the street from Thunder Knob, and got up at 4:30am in hopes of catching a sunrise. The clouds were too heavy for anything spectacular, but it was still a nice hike!

Hit the trail at 5:00am and was at the overlook by about 5:35am, hiking fast. The trail is in great shape, totally snow free, nothing to complain about! We did encounter a few bug swarms as we sat to eat breakfast at the overlook, but that's to be expected just about anywhere this time of year.

The view from Thunder Knob isn't much better (if any) than the view from the Hwy 20 overlook, but it's still a pretty trail and absolutely worth checking out.