There are 15+ blowdowns between the trailhead and the top of the switchbacks above Skagit Queen Camp, with only three requiring any work: two very large ones which need to be climbed over and one group of four or five 12" that can be walked around.
The trail is snow free until ~4200' (at the top of the switchbacks above Skagit Queen). Expect consistent soft and melting snow from there all the way through the basin (18-24" and melting fast; lots of postholing over rocks and brush). On the way up we crossed Thunder Creek early, however we followed the trail on the west side on the way back, which probably was quicker and a little more straightforward.
Only saw one party of two near McAllister Camp on our way out. A very special place we got to enjoy...
Early on the Thunder Creek trail |
Thunder Creek; pretty low flow |
Thunder Creek before McAllister Camp |
Always have to check out cougar scat |
North ridge of Forbidden Peak from Junction Camp |
Falls on the east face of Tricouni |
Looking up the West Fork of Thunder Creek toward Mount Torment and the ridge running northwest to Eldorado Peak |
Sir Hikes switchbacking above Skagit Queen |
Light dusting on the Skagit Queen switchbacks |
Upper Thunder Creek; doesn't get any more clear |
Breaking trail to Thunder Basin |
Sir Postholes a Lot |
Point 8248' (?) on Mt. Logan |
Lower Thunder Basin |
Thunder Basin |
East flank of Buckner Mountain (I believe the summit is not visible, behind the right high point) over Thunder Basin; Park Creek Pass in the obvious notch behind the trees in the lower left |
Small slide coming down |
Impressive cornices on Buckner's east ridge |
One last look...I think Buckner's summit now visible in top right |
Park Creek Pass and Point 7945' on the south ridge of Mount Logan; taken from the Thunder Creek ford |
Postholing along Thunder Creek on the way out |
The elusive "posthole-dive forward" move |
Skagit Queen-area mining relics |
The Boston Glacier and Ripsaw Ridge, from Junction Camp |
Back at the same bridge crossing Thunder Creek just before sunset |
Looks like an amazing day. That picture of Upper Thunder Creek is incredible!
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