Hiked to the Upper Thunder Mountain Lake from the Tunnel Creek trailhead, and scrambled up to Nimbus Mountain (the peak just north of the lake).
Road Conditions. The road to the trailhead was rough and narrow. There was only space for a couple of cars right at the trailhead, plus maybe a couple more at the end of the spur road. No toilets etc.
Trail Conditions. Tunnel Creek wasn't the smoothest trail, but had no obstacles. No issues with the Pacific Crest Trail to Trap Pass. The boot path to Thunder Mountain Lakes was easy to follow at first, but less obvious where it crossed boulder fields. Path of least resistance + spotting cairns worked for me, but could be a challenge when visibility is poor. Nimbus Mountain was a short and easy, un-exposed scramble (as long as you ignore the summit block). In addition to the lakes, there were several small, transient-looking streams along Tunnel Creek and the Pacific Crest Trail. Surprised to have good cell signal on Nimbus Mountain (but not below anywhere).
Highlights. Wildflowers were spent, and blueberries not fully ripe yet. Fall foliage was just getting started. Every patch of rocks had a pika squeaking at the top of its lungs, and every meadow had a marmot whistling. Also ran into one grouse and one ptarmigan family.
Crowds. 3 cars at the trailhead when I arrived (10am) and when I left (6pm). Encountered 2 parties on the way up Tunnel Creek, 8 parties (through-hikers?) on the way up to Trap Pass, and none on the way up to Thunder Mountain Lakes. But by the time I started heading down, 2 or 3 parties had shown up at the lake. Didn't encounter anyone from Trap Pass back to the trailhead.
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