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The bridge over the creek is in and the trail is in great shape 

This is a sweet little summer and fall hike actually best left until summer and fall.  We picked it as we wanted to be in the area and decided to give it a go.  I knew the rangers had not replaced the summer bridges, but earlier reports gave me hope that crossing Colonial Creek would not be too difficult.  I was wrong.  We found easy trail-head parking turning right into the main lot for Colonial Creek campground.  The campground is not open for camping (except a few first come, first serve sites), so there is plenty of parking.  Plumbed restrooms are still closed but the outhouse to the upper side of the lot was open, clean and stocked.  Everything is covered with leaves and minor debris so there's a definite early season vibe.

We crossed highway 20 carefully and I was concerned the trail would be very busy as the roadside parking there was full, but sensibly most people were hanging at the beach with the temps in the mid 80s.  You walk straight through the camp ground to find the at first rocky trail (there's a kiosk map at the entrance).  Walking straightish through the old creek beds we came to the edge of the gushing creek and could see the trail continuing on the far side beyond two major channels (picture).  From there we scouted up stream a ways until we found a single channel bridged by a multi-tree blow down jumble.  Not seeing anything better we crossed here.  My hiking partner who is far braver than me walked it (picture of return crossing) saying it was fine.   I was like nope not doing that went for the safe butt scoot method.  Once over we navigated back to the main trail and were on our way.  After the crossing the trail is a dream of gently graded switch backs I felt like I was flying up the elevation in spite of 80+ temps.  Shade diminished rapidly after we left the creek but thankfully there was a nice breeze at the top, and after admiring the vista from the final view point we back tracked for lunch in a shadier section looking west.

Heading back down we passed quite a few groups many with dogs and no one looked wet or traumatized, so perhaps there was a better place to cross?  After reaching the creek again at the bottom we scouted down stream but that just looked worse so we returned and recrossed on the same trees as before.  Scooting up the tree was a lot harder, than down so it took a while to get back over.

If we had not been able to get over Colonial Creek then we would have hiked Thunder Creek which leaves from the back of the main campground, but it was satisfying to feel I'd actually been brave'ish.

Hiked the Thunder Knob trail today. The parking lot was empty when I arrived a little after 10 am. The bridge has not yet been installed at the stream crossing, so it can be a little tricky. I went upstream and found a place where the stream had split into 3 channels and did not have a problem either coming or going. The trail is snow free and the views were gorgeous. There were two other cars in the parking area when I returned - not many people out on a Thursday morning. 

Ventured up to the North Cascades on this beautiful Sunday. We just bought brand new hiking shoes and wanted to test them on a short hike first. I’ve done Thunder Knob many times in the summer while the bridge is in, this was my first winter adventure without the bridge. The parking lot was plowed with plenty of space to park. It was icy to walk on but not difficult to maneuver with a car. There was a little ice in the east bound lanes of Hwy 20 but nothing any car couldn’t handle. The bathrooms are closed and the campground is full of deep snow. I forgot our microspikes but it turned out ok since the deep snow and ice was short lived. We had some minor post-holing through the campground and while looking for a spot to cross the river but once over the river and on the trail it was fine. To cross the river we followed an established footpath about 50 yards down river to a large tree over the river and crossed on that. It is wide and easy to cross if done with care. Walking back up to the flagged trail was challenging with more post-holing. The beginning of the trail is well marked and easy to follow. Once over the river the trail is in great shape. There are patches of snow but they are not deep or hard to cross with boots and poles if you use them. There are a few small trees over the trail but they are easy to get over. The view at the top was amazing as usual. It’s a quick but worth it up and down. A big bang for your buck hike!

Started off the new year right by going and getting a taste of the North Cascades!

Road and Lot conditions

Arrived at the TH at 10 am, and was the only car in the lot. The road into Diablo is clear, the final ¼ mile to the lot has some snow on the road, but it isn't too bad or slick, just take it slow. No high clearance is needed.

The parking lot is compact snow and ice. Once again no high clearance is needed, it had been plowed. The grip was pretty good. Didn't feel bad at all in my sedan.

There are ice falls along the rocks on hwy 20, and those could be dangerous if they break off onto the road.

Trail

The trail itself was in great shape, someone had snowshoed recently so they way was paved for us. Didn't even need spikes, the snow was dry and had really good grip to it.

The tricky part is the creek crossing, ordinarily this crossing would be easy, but given the wet and freezing temps the rocks and logs were slick with ice. We found a good log that was pretty dry to aid in crossing. But be very careful crossing, there are a lot of opportunities to slip on ice here.

The rest of the trail was great. There is one section where the trail is a sheet of ice, but it's short, just go slow and pay attention to your feet.

The switchbacks and climb itself are really easy, the grade is so gentle it barely feels like climbing. I'd say this is a good beginner hike.

The views once you get on the top are great, views in so many directions looking at massive North Cascades peaks. We were fortunate enough to get views of everything. It was only more magical as we were alone and had this winter wonderland to ourselves.

The view at the end is great, Ruby peak is stunning in the snow, and you get some looks at the lake. Now this isn't fully unobstructed views, there are trees that prevent a truly panoramic experience, but there are views all along the way and it's fantastic for being a low elevation hike this time of year.

When we returned no one else had showed up. I cannot stress how amazing it was just being alone with these majestic peaks on all sides.

We finished by going to the Diablo overlook. The wind started rolling in with the clouds. The lot of the overlook is high clearance, lots more snow with deep ruts and ice.