Short and easy enough for kids, Thunder Knob is a great place to watch the sun set if you're staying at Colonial Creek campground. The trail is simple enough that hiking back in the dark after sunset wasn't an issue for my wife and I. Some of the guidebooks mention the trail is wheelchair friendly but we found this to be iffy at best. They may be referring to the trail's condition before the 2003 washout. The beginning section of the trail is pretty rock and the log bridges crossing the creek near the 2003 washout had large steps and seemed too narrow for a wheelchair. There were also a few small trees across the path farther up. You can see some of the effects the washout had in a beautiful asphalt water fall when crossing the creek at the beginning of the trail.

Had an awesome time, super easy day hike took about three hours at a slow pace. We went with a group of friends and took our one year old daughter and our friends took their one year old as well. We had no problem with the babies (they were both in carriers). Our other friends also brought their dog Ghost (Siberian Husky) who had a blast and had no problem with any part of the trail. The trail was a little crowded, but that was expected with it being labor day weekend. The end of the trail culminated with an awesome view. Definitely recommend this hike if your looking for a quick easy day hike.

This is the first of the hikes that Mary Ellen and I will be documenting. We are inexperienced hikers but plan to gain our experience with the help of this journal. The weather was beautiful, the sun was hot. We started out around noon after a late start to get on the road. We stopped at Electric City on the way to eat our sandwiches. That is a nice destination in itself. The climb was pretty easy and the view at the top was stunning. We could clearly see the haze from the forest fires in Winthrop and surrounding areas.

This is a nice short hike at Colonial Creek campground. If you fitness level isn't what it should be (or not what it once was) this is a doable hike in this rugged country. The trail takes off from the left side of the road by the campground. The TH parking is well signed with a wood sign. Wander thru the campground following the signs to Thunder Knob trail. The trail wanders crosses a couple of streams on log footbridges, then wanders thru the woods. Gentle switchbacks take you up past a small pond with nice reflection picture opportunities. As you get higher, notice the change in vegetation from moss and ferns under cedar and Douglass fir to open forest with pine tress and baked lichens. The first overlook has a good view of Davis peak and Diablo lake (reservoir). Guard you trail snack against the cute kid pleasing chipmunks! The second viewpoint is not as good for the lake, but still a few nice 'peak' a boo views thru the trees. We tacked this little hike on after taking the Skagit Boat trip (well worth the bucks). Nice to stop while doing the scenic drive with the kids or out of town company.

Original Plan was to hike Thunder Creek, but I changed my mind on arriving at the TH. Decided to do something new, so I opted to do Thunder Knob, and then swing back to check out the Pyramid Lake trail. The Thunder Knob trail was in good condition with the exception of getting across the campground to from the parking lot. The creek running though the campground was overflowing, and crossing on the bridges wouldn't have helped, since the bridges are currently in the middle of the creek instead of spanning it. Scouted around and found a place to hop across on some logs/rocks. The views are pretty good, though marred in places by powerlines.