Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July Pass and Thunder Creek
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Table of contents
Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July Pass and Thunder Creek is a hard hike used by both day hikers and backpackers. It’s lightly trafficked and almost 30.0 km in length. Hikers seeking a major challenge push themselves to complete this hike in a day, and it can be done. Most other adventurers choose to spend a couple of days heading to the summit of Ruby Mountain and back.
Come prepared to do this in a day, bringing plenty of water, food, poles, and good boots.
Route Description for Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July Pass and Thunder Creek
Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July Pass and Thunder Creek is an intense day trip with some of the most spectacular views you’ll be able to find in the area. It’ll be a grueling trek, but you’ll feel plenty accomplished at the end of it all.
This route occasionally suffers from downed trees, and although they’re periodically cleared, you may need to navigate around recent blowdown.
Begin from the road leading southeast of the campground. You’ll hike a mostly flat path along Thunder Creek for two miles. About a third of a mile past the bridge, go left onto the Fourth of July Pass Trail.
You’ll now begin to gain elevation more aggressively, climbing around 610 m in about 4.0 km. The end of the climb sees you arrive at Fourth of July Camp. Look out over Colonial Peak, Snowfield Peak, and Neve Glacier. You’ll turn left past camp at the junction and begin a straight-up slog to the summit. No beating around the bush—it’s a grind.
At the summit, enjoy truly splendid views, spotting Mount Baker in the distance. When you’re ready, retrace your steps to the trailhead or to your camp.
Getting to the Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July Pass and Thunder Creek Trailhead
The trailhead for Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek is at the south end of Colonial Creek Campground.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Fourth of July Camp, Thunder Camp
When to do:
June-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July Pass and Thunder Creek Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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