North Cascades National Park

We left Seattle with a change in the weather -- gray clouds moved in and we headed east.  It was Sunday and all the campgrounds empty out as weekend recreation winds down.  We were headed to the east side of the Northern Cascades, but as we passed the North Cascades National Park Visitor Sign we were intrigued enough to stop in the Visitor Center.

And just like that we had a new plan!!  We spent one night camping near Diablo Lake (Colonial Creek Campground) and then headed up Thunder Creek for a backpacking trip.  Thunder Creek should really be named Thunder River as the snow melt from multiple glaciers cascades down the steep cliffs and mountains and rushes out to the Diablo Lake.

The hike was incredible and always in the background was the sound of Thunder Creek.  Our destination campground, Junction, was across the valley from the Klawatti Glacier so we were rewarded with stunning views of jagged peaks, tumbling waterfalls, and thick snowpacks.

Great Sign, Cute Couple

Jagged Peaks, Snow Pack, Tall Evergreen Trees.  Everywhere,

Glacier melt cascading into Thunder River, er Thunder Creek.  LOUD

Snowy Peak

Glacier & Mountains

Jagged Peaks.  Cascading Water.  Repeated Everywhere

Thunder Creek runs green due to glacial flour....

Diablo Lake with Mt Davis.  Green water from glacial flour