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Panther Creek Trail
The Panther Creek Trail is the less popular approach to Fourth of July Pass.
Plan Around Panther Creek Trail
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Panther Creek Trail Details
The Panther Creek Trail is the less popular approach to Fourth of July Pass, and offers backcountry camping and connections to Park Creek Pass. This trail does not yield spectacular views, but is does offer adventurous hikers a wild and isolated experience as they climb. The trail navigates the undergrowth of dense forests and contains a number of surprisingly steep sections as it edges around the sparkling blue Ruby Creek and a gorge before climbing up to the pass. This trail requires fording the freezing waters of Panther Creek when water levels are safe enough to permit crossing. Hikers should take caution to stay on the trail, because there are many sections that are poorly maintained and difficult to follow, particularly in the avalanche chutes near Panther Camp. This approach has only one camping area, Panther Camp, which is about halfway to the pass in Panther Creek Valley. Although there are no sweeping valley vistas along this trail, there are some good views when you reach Fourth of July Pass. Take note of the curious Panther Potholes, a collection of tiny alpine lakes. Reach Panther Creek Trail from East Bank Trailhead, located at milepost 139 on State Route 20.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
13 miles
Estimated time
7 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Panther Creek Trail
Compare nearby parks around Panther Creek Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Panther Creek Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Panther Creek Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
East Bank Trail
Don't be fooled by the distance: the East Bank Trail can be a long, multi-day backpacking adventure or a short day hike.
0.5 mi away
Ruby Creek
The Ruby Creek area of North Cascades is rich with both natural scenery and cultural history.
3.5 mi away
Ross Lake Overlook
Often overshadowed by the nearby Diablo Lake Overlook, Ross Lake Overlook offers extensive views of this narrow, 22-mile-long lake.
4.3 mi away
Ross Lake
The 24-mile-long Ross Lake is situated on the U.S.-Canadian border and is well known for it's recreational opportunities.
4.3 mi away
Ross Lake Campgrounds
The Ross Lake Campgrounds are only accessible by boat.
