Summary
No reservations are needed, but a Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking. There are no toilets (bring your own waste solution), no potable water, and no fire rings or picnic tables, so campers must be self-sufficient. RV access is limited due to rough forest roads and lack of hookups. Set in a lush, forested mountain pass within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this remote area offers solitude and easy access to nearby trails like the Pacific Crest Trail. Best visited late June–September for dry conditions and snow-free trails.
Nearby Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations |
|---|---|
Fourth of July Pass
|
|
Neve
|
|
Thunder
|
|
Panther
|
|
McAllister
|
|
Colonial Creek - North Cascades National Park
|
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Thunder Creek Near Newhalem
|
301cfs |
Newhalem Creek Near Newhalem
|
30cfs |
Skagit River At Newhalem
|
4030cfs |
Bacon Creek Below Oakes Creek Near Marblemount
|
217cfs |
Cascade River At Marblemount
|
494cfs |
Skagit River At Marblemount
|
5160cfs |
Camping Essential Practices
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Related Links
Nearby Snowpack Depths
|
DIABLO DAM
|
0" |
|
DIABLO RESERVOIR
|
0" |
|
THUNDER BASIN
|
1" |
|
NOHRSC THUNDER BASIN
|
1" |
|
NOHRSC SWAMP CREEK
|
1" |
|
SWAMP CREEK
|
0" |
River Runs
-
Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary To Slack Water Of Ross Lake
-
Confluence Of Canyon And Granite Creeks To Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary
-
Point On Range Line To Ruby Creek
-
Pasayten Wilderness Boundary To Point On Range Line Between Sec 12, R14E And Sec 17, R16E
-
Headwaters To Ends Upstream Of The Diversion Dam (Rm 1)
-
Begins Below Gorge Powerhouse To Ross Lake National Recreation Area Boundary