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Thunder Lake is located next to the Continental Divide in the upper end of Wild Basin. The trailhead for Thunder Lake, and several other destinations, starts at the Wild Basin Ranger Station; the total distance to Thunder Lake is 6.8 miles one-way. How to get there: Exit at the Wild Basin Road and drive by Copeland Lake following an unpaved road to the Ranger Station, it is three miles to the trailhead parking, noted on the map as (P)2. Along this trail, there are several branch trails leading to other mountain lakes and campsites. You will cross Hunters Creek and then walk along North St. Vrain Creek, which is the main stream for this basin, it originates from Thunder Lake and the watershed above the lake. At .3 mile you will pass Copeland Falls; a small falls compared to Ouzel Falls further up the trail. At 1.4 miles there will be a spur trail on your right (noted on the map as an unimproved trail); this spur trail provides access to four backcountry campsites and a shortcut to Thunder Lake. If you take the spur tail you will miss Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls, but you can always make the return trip on the main trail which passes next to each of these two water spectacles. Following the main trail up a fairly steep incline, you arrive at Calypso Cascades, 2 miles from the trailhead. The trail that takes you to Finch and Pear Lakes starts at this point. Finch Lake is an additional 3.5 miles and Pear Lake is 5.5 miles. There are three backcountry campsites on the Finch/Pear Lakes Trail. Continuing on the main trail you’ll pass Ouzel Falls at 2.7 miles. Be sure to take the short path off the main trail for the best view of the falls. This fall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the park. On the main trail at 3.8 miles, you will intersect with the Ouzel/ Bluebird Lakes Trail. Ouzel Lake is 1.75 miles and Bluebird Lake is 3.75 additional miles from this intersection. There are two backcountry campsites located along the Ouzel/ Bluebird Lakes Trail. Staying on the main trail you will pass the trail intersection to the Lion Lakes at 5.3 miles. The remaining 1.5 miles take you to the shore of Thunder Lake. This perfectly shaped glacial lake is deep blue with a rustic patrol cabin along its northeast shore. There are five back country campsites at Thunder Lake; four individual sites and a group campsite. There are lots of alternative day hikes to enjoy from your base camp at Thunder Lake.
Created on: 2024-09-08 12:20:38
Last edited by: rhall290472 On: 2024-09-18 19:58:52