Thornton Lakes & Trappers Peak

getting there

Drive SR-20 to 11 miles east of Marblemount and turn north onto Thornton Lakes Road. Continue to the road's end and trailhead (2,600 ft).

on the trail

Hike the Thornton Lakes Trail climbing through forest to a ridge crest at 5,000 ft with views down to the Thornton Lakes and across to Mount Triumph.    The lakes can be reached by poor trail down 500 feet from the ridge, about 1.5 miles to the farthest upper lake.  But for the most stunning views, from the ridge crest follow a climber's track up the ridge to the summit of Trappers Peak, about 1.5 miles and 950 feet farther up.

• Thornton Lakes: 10.2 miles round trip with 2,900 feet of elevation gain to a high point of 5,000 ft
• Trappers Peak: 10.6 miles round trip with 3,300 feet of elevation gain to a high point of 5,964 ft
• Thornton Lakes & Trappers Peak: 13.6 miles round trip with 3,800 feet of elevation gain to a high point of 5,964 ft

notes

• In some places the final section to the summit requires the use of hands, though not particularly difficult or exposed unless dangerous snow patches are present which they can be early in the season.  If you don't like the looks of the last section to the summit, extraordinary views can still be had partway up.

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Scrambling
• Seasons: July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Very Strenuous
• Length: 10.6 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,300 ft
• High Point: 5,964 ft

• Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
  Ross Lake National Recreation Area
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12