Thunder Creek (Washington) Explained

Thunder Creek[1]
Pushpin Map:Washington
Pushpin Map Caption:Location of mouth
Source1 Location:Near Park Creek Pass
Source1 Coordinates:48.5914°N -122.1644°W
Mouth Location:Diablo Lake
Mouth Coordinates:48.6004°N -122.2346°W
Subdivision Type1:Country
Subdivision Name1:United States
Subdivision Type2:State
Subdivision Name2:Washington (state)
Length:15miles
Source1 Elevation:5590feet
Mouth Elevation:1200feet
Tributaries Left:McAllister Creek, Skagit Creek
Tributaries Right:Fisher Creek

Thunder Creek is a stream located entirely within North Cascades National Park and the Ross Lake National Recreation Area in the US state of Washington.[2] Thunder Creek runs in a northerly direction most of its route starting from just north of Park Creek Pass in the south district of North Cascades National Park and ending at Diablo Lake in Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Prior to the construction of the Diablo Dam, Thunder Creek emptied into the Skagit River. A popular hiking trail parallels Thunder Creek its entire length. Thunder Creek is well known for having a turquoise appearance from the suspended silt and rock flour caused by runoff from dozens of glaciers, including the largest glacier in the park, Boston Glacier, which feeds Skagit Creek, a tributary stream.[3]

Notes and References

  1. 1509019. Thunder Creek Creek. April 5, 2018.
  2. Topoquest (USGS Quads). Forbidden Peak, WA. April 5, 2018.
  3. Web site: Thunder Creek and Park Creek Trails. National Park Service. April 5, 2018.