Thunder Creek (North Cascades)

In a remote section of the Baker River region of the North Cascades lies a beautiful canyon filled with interesting aquatic features. Multiple jumps, slides, pool and corridor swims fill a narrow gorge, decorated by smoothly carved walls in a variety of volcanic bedrock types. A dense rainforest canopy obscures the upper part of the canyon, while the pools of the lower section are open to generous amounts of sun. The Thunder Creek catchment basin is quite large, so the flow is typically too high / dangerous most of the year. The best time to run this canyon is typically August and September.

The approach is along a state DNR road which accesses actively logged timberland. At one point this road used to get more through traffic, and it is labeled on most maps as the 'Baker River Road'. However the old road bridge over the canyon has long ago collapsed. It is gated from both the north and the south side. Its lack of regular travelers means that wildlife are more likely to be spotted -- possible that more cougar prowl this area now than people. Take the Baker Lake highway to the Baker Lake Dam. After passing a campground and crossing the dam, park to the side near the large gate. Special note: the mosquitoes on in this area are heinous in the summer months. Bug spray and/or long sleeves/pants are highly recommended for the approach and exit. Hike south for about 3.5 miles. This road is partially paved and taking bikes would certainly make the trip shorter and would mitigate the mosquitoes. The road ends at the creek right at the point the bedrock canyon begins. It is possible to carefully scramble on large rocks to skirt around the first pool. Just below here, the remains of the old bridge can be seen, and the start of the committing section of canyon.

DCR = Down Canyon Right DCL = Down Canyon Left Special notes: Always have one person check pool depth before jumping. This canyon is slippery. Be very cautious on the various downclimbs. Scrambles and/or partner assists may be required to reach anchors that have been placed above the high water line. After suiting up, head down the creek about 100yds. The creek turns sharply to the left. This sequence can be bypassed DCL. This first short falls is a good place to get waterflow reference. Continue down and climb around the rocks on CR to a ledge. This is the first jump. J1 DCR: 15' jump. Check the flow and hydraulics here. If the flow is too raucous, consider bailing or running the lower section of the canyon only, which is not as committing. R1 DCR: 12' from a single bolt. A scramble is required to reach this anchor. In high flow, the current can be strong here. This short drop has been jumped. In lower flows this can be downclimbed. R2 DCR: 40' from a bolted anchor. A scramble/partner assist may be required to reach this anchor. Rappel the entire way or stop at the ledge and jump DCL. J2 DCL: 22' jump from ledge into a large pool (cover photo). Single bolt anchor for depth-checking (or lapping the jump). Midpoint: The canyon opens up here briefly and allows access on both sides. Note this spot, it is one potential option for the exit. J3 DCL: 15' jump into deep undercut pool. You must jump out far to clear a rock ledge below. The horizontal recirculation DCR can be used to practice swift water techniques. R3 DCL: 30' from a single bolt above what looks like a slide. A partner assist may be needed to reach this anchor. The canyon opens up here and the following section can be bypassed completely. J4: 15' jump into a narrow slot leading into large pool. This short drop has been done as a slide, but as of summer 2020, a large log is resting in the watercourse preventing the slide. The pool downstream of the log is not deep but can be shallow jumped. It's not recommended to jump in the pools between J4 and J5 because the water is pushy and there's no good way out besides getting pushed over the falls. For those interested in jumping or sliding into this pool (the slide is great) there is a way to climb out immediately DCR of the slide. It is a V0 boulder problem with no danger to escape but at least until you figure the moves out have a teammate ready to assist you. Only do this in moderate or lower flow. J5 DCL: 20' jump from a prominent horn into a very deep pool. Take care on the smooth but sticky slabs This pool is very cool to dive down and check out with a mask. This jump can be lapped climbing into the forest DCL. J6: 8' jump into final pool. If the flow is too strong to safely approach the lip, simply exit the canyon to the left.