Thunder Creek

The Thunder Creek trail is in the North Cascades National Park, beginning at the Colonial Creek Campground and going as far as Lake Chelan in central Washington, via Park Creek Pass & Cascade Pass. We followed the first 6 1/2 miles along Thunder Creek to McAllister camp, an easy, kid friendly stretch that is 13 miles round trip, 700' elevation gain through huge old cedars and firs.
The trail is in good shape. We did encounter numerous blowdowns from last winter, maybe 30 trees that we had to go over/under/around, but none were major obstacles. Considering it was a Sunday in early May with temperatures in the low 70's, I would have thought that this fairly low elevation (1200'-1900') trail would have been packed, but we only saw one other hiker all day. I don't know if solitude can be found here once school lets out for the summer, but right now it's very peaceful. If you're afraid you'll be lonely, don't worry, you'll have plenty of mosquitoes to keep you company.
The trail starts along Diablo Lake for the first mile, then a bridge crossing takrs you to the north side of Thunder Creek, where the trail climbs above but within earshot of the creek for the next 5 miles. You'll cross Neve Creek and a dozen other unnamed tributaries, some on bridges but most by scrambling over logs or hopping stones. The forest is a mix of age classes, from towering old growth to areas cleared by fire and avalanche. The patches of new growth also afford teaser views of local peaks, including Colonial Peak for which the creek and campground are named (pictured above).
McAllister camp is a good spot for lunch and turnaround for day hikers. Backpackers may want to forge on to Tricouni Camp 2 miles away to avoid the tourists and to peer into the Great Dismal Swamp. The trail then takes of up hill for Park creek Pass, the Pacific Crest Trail and Lake Chelan.
I love Thunder Creek for its color, ranging from torquoise ble to emerald green; for its lovely spring wildflowers; and its tasty huckleberries and blueberries which line the trail in August and September.

Sauk Mountain

Sauk Mountain is one of my favorite local hikes, a short but steep trail with panoramic, 360 degree views of the North Cascades. To get there, follow Highway 20 to just past Rockport State Park (great salmon fishing and winter eagle watching here) and turn left onto Forest Service Road 1030 for a twisy/bumpy 7 mile drive to the Sauk Mountain trailhead (trail #613).

The first 1/4 mile is mostly level, but the trail starts to climb quickly as you follow over two dozen switchbacks to gain 1200' in less than 2 miles. It's a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open for falling rocks disloged by hikers uphill from you. Views of Mount Baker and the Skagit river valley begin to emerge as you climb. As you near the top, the trail winds around to the east side of the mountain for more views of the North Cascades. A side trail from here will take you to Sauk Lake 1200' below for some good trout fishing, or continue on another 1/4 mile to the summit for great views of Mount Baker and the confluence of the Skagit and Sauk rivers.