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Trip Report

Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek — Monday, Jul. 11, 2022

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

Trip Report By

Type of Hike

Day hike

Trail Conditions

Trail in good condition

Road

Road recommended for high clearance only

Bugs

Bugs were an annoyance

Snow

Snow free

Trails Hiked

  • Wildflowers blooming
I came to paint, so bugs were happy to chew my arms and legs.

BUGS, a BEAR, and BEES!

There are just enough patches of snow at the top to fill up your water bottle, but they won't be there long. 

The road is rough with ruts, washouts, and potholes.  I made it to within a mile of the trail with my compact car and hoofed it from there. 

I did not see one cloud all day--except for clouds of bugs in some places- especially at the lookout.  They were annoying, but I've experienced much worse.  I'm glad I didn't do my originally planned hike to Thorp Lake.  

I encountered a bear on the trail about halfway up. It was on the trail and about 20 paces from me, so I backed up and out of sight and started yelling.

The rest of my hike was punctuated by "Hey Bear!" in multiple accents. FYI- a Southern accent seems to carry farther.  

Did not see another soul or car the whole day- but it is Monday. 

Once at the lookout I got out my painting kit, and painted away while hornets, mosquitos, and gnats happily stung and bit me. Totally worth it!

The flowers are at their peak right now!

I drove over a lot of ruts (deeper than it looks in photo) that were almost this bad. This was the crux move. The road did get better a little after this.
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Comments

AdventurePainter on Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek

Hubby counted 68 mosquito bites on me! I forgot that mosquito bites get itchy and red the next couple days! (but-I was standing in one place for 2 hours while I painted)

Posted by:


AdventurePainter on Jul 13, 2022 03:51 PM

Washington Trails Association on Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek

Thanks for the pic of the road for context. Congrats on what sounds like a lovely day aside from the bugs!

Posted by:


Washington Trails Association on Jul 14, 2022 10:04 AM

AdventurePainter on Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek

You're welcome! "Bad road" is not very helpful without a pic, I find :) Have a great hike!

Posted by:


AdventurePainter on Jul 14, 2022 03:01 PM

katherinegooding on Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek

was the fire lookout at the top open inside?

Posted by:


katherinegooding on Sep 24, 2022 03:25 PM

AdventurePainter on Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek

It was closed and locked when I was there. You can still go on the catwalk, though- just not inside.

Posted by:


AdventurePainter on Sep 24, 2022 10:13 PM