Thunder Mountain Lakes
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
Fragile alpine lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, accessible via Tunnel Creek or the PCT.
About This Trail
Thunder Mountain Lakes sit in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness above the Surprise Creek drainage, a pair of small alpine lakes in a highly sensitive subalpine basin. Two primary approaches exist: the Tunnel Creek Trail (#1061) from the north and the Surprise Creek/PCT route from the south. Most parties use Tunnel Creek, though Surprise Creek provides a shorter route with easier trailhead access.
The basin is fragile. Camp only on established durable surfaces. Pack out all human waste using WAG bags. The lakes are increasingly popular, and the surrounding meadows show the impact. Through-hiking from Tunnel Creek to Surprise Creek with a car shuttle makes a satisfying 15-mile day.
The Tunnel Creek trailhead access road has potholes and is narrow but passable for most vehicles. Northwest Forest Pass required. The area sits within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, so a self-issued wilderness permit (no fee) is needed at both trailheads.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Day hiked Upper Thunder Mountain Lake from the Tunnel Creek Trailhead.”
Last report: Sep 13, 2025
Scorecard
Increasingly popular. Summer weekends see heavy traffic. The fragile basin suffers from overuse. Weekday visits strongly recommended.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Extremely fragile alpine environment, pack out all waste including human waste
- Overuse damaging meadows, camp only on durable surfaces
- Snow on upper trail into early July
Getting There
Tunnel Creek trailhead: narrow access road with potholes, passable for most cars. Surprise Creek trailhead: easier access, larger lot.
Recent Reports
Day hiked Upper Thunder Mountain Lake from the Tunnel Creek Trailhead. The one mile of forest road has a few potholes and is narrow in most places, but should be do-able by most cars.
Hiked to Thunder Mountain lakes yesterday. A long beautiful hike, on a hot sunny day.
I day hiked to Thunder Mountain Lakes from the Surprise Creek trailhead. This appeared to be a shorter route with less complicated trailhead access than Tunnel Creek.
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