A cooler but beautiful two-day backpack to Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek, our first backpack of the season. (Permit required for this one). Saw few people, especially after Thunder Creek bridge, with only one other party staying overnight. Trail starts out mellow along Thunder Creek to the bridge, with views of spectacular aqua-marine color water, and then steepens after the juncture up to the pass. Plentiful water sources along the way, and several camp sites with views. Pretty views a little bit before the actual pass, at the camp (pass itself has no views, as the write up says). No snow, few bugs. Trail in great condition.
After setting up camp, we took a day hike up the unmaintained trail toward Ruby Mountain to scout out for a future hike (good description of where the trail is in the WTA "Ruby Mountain" write up). The "trail" is really more of a boot path, very steep in places, but not too difficult to follow. Were told by a fellow hiker coming down (only saw two people on the trail) that there were views at 4,800 feet, so decided to check it out, not planning to go further. He also warned of plentiful blow downs, and he was not exaggerating, as the going required some gymnastics over and under many downed trees. We hit very pretty, although filtered views of the surrounding mountains at about 4,900 feet, (about 2 miles up the trail), and our turnaround point. Looking forward to returning when we have more time and going all of the way up Ruby Mountain. We did not see any snow, but heard from the hiker there was some closer to the top.
All in all, an enjoyable backpack, with mountain views and plenty of quiet!
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