Trail

Fourth of July Pass Trail

Trail
A person sits in the forest looking at a mountain view.

This is a moderately strenuous alpine hike with 2,300 feet of elevation gain over 10 miles roundtrip. You'll trek through old-growth forest to a suspension bridge over Thunder Creek at mile 2, then climb steeply to Fourth of July Pass for mountain and glacier views. Terrain becomes exposed and unpredictable at elevation—weather is the primary hazard. Fit hikers with altitude experience can manage it, but this is not a casual forest walk.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
10
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Lung buster
Elevation Gain Feet
2300

Trail profile

Distance Miles
10
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Lung buster
Elevation Gain Feet
2300
Estimated Time
5-7 hours if you're fit and acclimatized; 8+ hours if you're gaining altitude for the first time.
Trail Surface
Rocky, rooted forest floor transitioning to alpine scree and loose talus.
Trail Features
  • Old-growth temperate rainforest
  • Thunder Creek suspension bridge
  • Alpine meadows
  • Mountain and glacier views
Trail Highlights
The Alpine payoff is Fourth of July Pass itself—sit at the ridge and let your eyes adjust. South view is Glacier Peak, east is the Cascades ridgeline, north is Mount Baker. The glacier visible from the pass is the reward; it clarifies the moment you stop moving and breathe.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
South end of Colonial Creek Campground parking area.
Parking Fill Time
By 8 AM on weekends, especially July-August.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
None required—self-drive to Colonial Creek Campground.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits required, but check current conditions at the North Cascades Visitor Center before starting.
Fees
No entrance fee. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers all federal recreation sites if purchased.
Trail Status
Open during park operational season (late May–late September); closed or hazardous outside this window.
Seasonal Closures
Snow typically blocks the pass until late May or early June. Snow can return as early as mid-September. Verify conditions before departing.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Filter at Thunder Creek near the 2-mile suspension bridge crossing. No reliable sources above 5,000 feet.
Accessibility
Rooty and steep. Requires good fitness and altitude acclimatization. Not wheelchair accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Exposure at elevation
  • Sudden afternoon thunderstorms
  • Creek crossings during snowmelt
  • Steep rocky descent
  • Altitude gains
  • Bears
Hazard Details
Lightning risk on exposed ridge during afternoon storms—turn back if clouds build after 2 PM. Creek can be high and swift with snowmelt (June). Steep sections with loose scree on descent increase fall risk. Bears are present—store food in bear-proof canisters and make constant noise.
Cell Service
Unreliable. Assume zero coverage above 5,000 feet. Carry a satellite communicator or personal locator beacon.
Crowd Level
Moderate to heavy on summer weekends; lighter on weekdays.
Peak Crowd Times
July-August weekends, 10 AM to 2 PM.
Best Season
Mid-July to early September.
Best Time To Visit
June through September. Start by 6 AM to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. July-August is safest—trails are mostly snow-free and weather is most stable.
Tips Advice
  • Bring 2-3L water minimum—high elevation means rapid dehydration.
  • Trekking poles are mandatory for the descent—knee impact on steep grade is real.
  • Wear sun protection: hat, sunscreen, long sleeves—exposed alpine terrain offers zero shade.
  • Make noise constantly on the trail—bears are present (100-yard safe distance).
  • Check weather the morning of—afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly at elevation.
  • Start well before noon to avoid lightning exposure at the summit.

More details

Park Area
North Cascades (Colonial Creek area)
Trail Markers
Well-marked and well-worn. Orange blazes above treeline.
Dogs Allowed
Yes, leashed only, for the first 7 miles and to the pass.
Biking Allowed
No.
Shade Level
Heavy shade in old-growth forest (miles 0–5). Full sun and exposed on alpine section (miles 5–10).
Emergency Contacts
North Cascades Visitor Center: (206) 386-4495. Emergency: 911 (may not reach at high elevations). Nearest hospital: Marblemount Hospital, ~45 minutes by vehicle.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Snow typically blocks the pass until late May or early June. Early snow can arrive by mid-September.
Mud Season
Muddy in May–early June due to snowmelt. Creek crossings become difficult.
Wildflower Peak
Mid-July to early August in alpine meadows.
Fall Colors Peak
Early September (brief window before first snow).
Bug Season
Mosquitoes peak in July–early August, especially near the creek. Avoid dusk hours if possible.
Insider Tips
  • The suspension bridge sways in wind. Keep it controlled and deliberate—one person at a time.
  • The false summit at mile 4 will mock you. The real pass is 0.5 miles higher—keep pushing.
  • Descent is steeper and longer than ascent. Use poles, descend slowly, watch for loose rocks.
  • Sunbake on the rocks at the pass rather than pushing further—views are best where you stand.
  • Refill water at Thunder Creek—the alpine section is bone dry.
Recent Updates
Park conditions vary yearly. Check nps.gov/noca for closures, shuttle schedules, trail status, and bear activity before departure.
Family Friendly Notes
Not suitable for young children. Steep descent requires sure footing and solid core strength. Altitude is significant—kids under 10 struggle above 5,000 feet. Supervise closely near creek crossings and steep drop-offs.
Nearby Facilities
Colonial Creek Campground has water, restrooms, and campsites. Nearest gas and supplies: Marblemount, 35 miles south.
Review Summary
Hikers report the 2,300-foot climb is relentless but the alpine payoff is genuine. Weather is the main variable—clear morning starts are critical. Most consider it a life-tier hike if you're acclimatized and start early.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. Keep 100 yards away if seen. Make noise constantly, store food in bear-proof canisters, and don't hike alone. Bears are most active at dusk.

Do I need previous hiking experience?

Yes. This is not beginner terrain. You should be comfortable with steep grades and altitude. Test yourself on lower-elevation hikes first.

What if I'm not acclimatized to altitude?

You'll feel it at 5,000 feet. Take it slow, drink constantly. Altitude sickness is real—if you develop a headache or nausea, descend immediately.

Is the suspension bridge scary?

It sways and makes noise. It's safe but unsettling. One person at a time, hold the rails, and don't look down if you have vertigo.

What's the weather risk?

Afternoon thunderstorms develop fast at elevation. Lightning kills. Turn back if clouds build after 2 PM. Start early, summit by early afternoon.

Can I do this with trekking poles only?

Yes, if the pass is snow-free (mid-July onward). Before that, you need an ice axe and crampons. Check conditions before departing.

Agnes Gorge Trail

5 miles, 500ft gain. Muddy spring; wildflowers mid-summer. Easy-to-moderate ramble to a 200ft cascade.

Cascade Pass Trail

Relentless switchbacks to a glacier-rimmed pass. Most popular trail in the park—arrive early or miss the summit.

Company Creek Trail

Steep climb through forest to Bonanza Peak views. Nettles and overgrown sections demand respect.

Diablo Lake Trail

Exposed bridge crossing, 1,300ft gain. Moderate challenge with ferry escape option on return.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.