Thunder Lake is one of several subalpine and alpine lakes that form the headwaters of North St Vrain Creek, the primary drainage through Wild Basin
The main trail runs along Thunder Lake's north side to the inlet area, and continues on a variously steep and rugged path to Boulder Grand Pass on the Continental Divide
Black bears are active in the Wild Basin Area, and food storage guidelines are strictly enforced
Thunder Lake's outlet stream forms large pools and slow oxbows through a level, marshy basin
Breaks in the timber reveal peaks above Eagle Lake and Frigid Lake, located along trail-less tributaries of North St Vrain Creek
Pilot Mountain (12,222') and Alice Mountain (13,310') frame the upper valley and separate the Thunder Lake and Lion Lake basins
Falcon Lake (11,070') is located below Pilot Mountain (12,222') in a small cirque about .7 miles from Thunder Lake's inlet area
Globe Flowers' scientific name is Trollius albiflorus; 'troll' means 'globe' in Latin
Colorado subalpine forests typically range 9,000' - 11,000' with primary constituents of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce
The cross-country route to Falcon Lake climbs 500' from Thunder Lake, with only one steep section just below the cirque
Calypso Cascades forms just below the confluence of two major tributaries of North St Vrain Creek
Ouzel Falls is named for the Ouzel - or American Dipper - North America's only true aquatic song bird
The Calypso Cascades bridge was spared from damage in the 2013 floods (the Ouzel Falls bridge was not so lucky!)
Swift water between the two main Copeland Falls viewing areas just beyond the trailhead
Ouzel Falls slip through a narrow granite chute just off the main trail, where social paths lead to various viewing areas
On the way to Thunder Lake, Ouzel Falls (seen here) is a popular day hike for visitors short on time
Final approach to Thunder Lake
View of the lake from its beautiful outlet area
Thunder Lake has a clearly defined outlet stream - a great place to explore
Snow lingers well into deep summer, sometimes never melting
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