Thunder Basin, North Cascades National Park

An unexpectedly-glorious day in the North Cascades with Sir-Hikes-a-Lot. The 80% chance of thunder storms seemed to be caught on the peaks further west and we spent the day under blue skies and a warm sun.

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