Trap Pass

Hike the Tunnel Creek Trail to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail that leads to Trap Pass, a small gap on the ridge of Thunder Mountain.

Ascend the valley in cool green forest on tread kept in great condition by WTA volunteers. The trail is a steep, rocky, rooty, sometimes narrow and brushy path with unforgivingly steep drop-offs, so watch your step, especially on the way down and especially when it's damp. You gain 1300 feet of the hike's 2650 feet on this portion of the trail.

Make a right at the junction to reach Trap Pass in a little more than four miles. Heading north (left) will take you to Mig Lake and other points north on the PCT.

The south leg of the PCT after the junction starts out easy, then switchbacks a bit, then mellows out again with a nice, long traverse across the slopes on the way to the pass. With less than a mile before the pass, you'll see a side trail on your left that goes down to the lake. It's a 0.3 mile side trip that you can make on the way back.

Keep to the right to cross above the lake and begin a short series of switchbacks with increasingly stunning views until you reach the pass. Soak in the magnificent views east and when you're ready, turn around and head back the way you came.