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Thunder Creek Trailhead #526
The first 2.2 miles of trail follows an old roadbed then enters the Salmo-Priest Wilderness Area. Travel through stands of old-growth cedar and hemlock. Trail connects to Shedroof Cutoff Trail #511 and Shedroof Divide Trail #512 to create a 14-mile loop trail system. No motorized or mechanized equipment is allowed within the Wilderness area.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | A culvert is plugged, but passable. Use care crossing. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Medium |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness use restrictions apply. Certified weed-free hay or certified weed-free hay pellets are required on National Forest lands (processed grains are okay). Motorized or mechanical equipment, including chainsaw, bike, motorcycle, hang glider or cart use prohibited in all wilderness areas. Food and wildlife attractants must be properly stored at all times. |
| Closest Towns: | Metaline Falls, WA |
| Information Center: | The trail is usually snowed in until June. |
General Information
General Notes:- USGS Map: Salmo Mountain
Directions:
From Metaline Falls, WA: Head northeast on Grandview St toward International Selkirk Loop N/Lehigh Ave for 49 feet. Turn right onto WA-31 N/International Selkirk Loop N/Lehigh Ave for 2.1 miles. Turn right onto Sullivan Lake Rd fo r4.8 miles. Turn left onto NF-22/Sullivan Creek Rd for 5.3 miles. Slight left onto NF-2220/Sullivan Creek Rd for 6.7 miles.
Google map directions from Metaline Falls, WA
From Ione, WA: Head west on Main St toward S 2nd Ave/International Selkirk Loop N for 174 feet. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto WA-31 S/S 2nd Ave/International Selkirk Loop S continue to follow WA-31 S/International Selkirk Loop S for 0.9 miles. Turn left onto Elizabeth Ave/Sullivan Lake Rd continue to follow Sullivan Lake Rd for 0.4 miles. Turn left to stay on Sullivan Lake Rd for 12.4 miles. Turn right onto NF-22/Sullivan Creek Rd for 5.3 miles. Slight left onto NF-2220/Sullivan Creek Rd for 6.7 miles.
Google map directions from Ione, WA
Activities
Day Hiking
- Due to the trail length this system is better suited for overnight use.
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Backpacking
- Great opportunity. Length of trip varies if combining this trail with other ones in the wilderness. Shedroof Cutoff Trail #511, Shedroof Divide Trail #512 and Thunder Creek Trail #526 are part of a14 mile loop.
Horse Camping
- See Sullivan Lake Trail Guide or contact Sullivan Lake Ranger District for campsites.
Horse Riding
- Looped trail systems are popular with horse enthusiasts.
Viewing Wildlife
- Variety of wildlife ranging from common whitetail deer to endangered woodland caribou and threatened grizzly bear. Other species of interest are bighorn sheep moose, elk, mountain lion, black bear, gray wolf, bald eagle and other bird species.
Viewing Plants
- High ridges with Alpine Fir, Whitebark Pine and other alpine plants.
Location
