Thornton Lakes and Trappers Peak

Location: North Cascades Pass

Length: 10.2 miles

Elevation: Gain/2900 ft. Highest/5000 ft.

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 5.5 hours

Thornton Lakes

I was pretty excited to do this hike just because of its positioning—I knew I’d get some unique views being on the Northwest side of the pass.

Head up HWY 20, past Marblemount, and take a left on Thornton Lakes Rd. between mileposts 117 and 118. Drive about 5 miles up a pretty rough gravel road that ends at the trailhead. Be careful hiking during hunting season and please make sure to wear bright clothing or backpacks!

This hike starts with an easy grade, meanders a couple of miles through pristine wilderness, crossing creeks over a gorgeous timber bridge and over makeshift rock paths. The grade steepens and brings you to a fork, where the left takes you down 500 ft. to the lowest lake shore, and the right takes you up another 900 ft. to Trappers Peak where you get to view all three of Thornton Lakes as well as The Pickets.

I love little touches like this!

It might be fun to do the lake shore if you’re backpacking and then make the trek upwards the next day. Doing both in one day would definitely physically task you

We chose to go up. Take the slightly obscured path directly to the left of the large triangle shaped rock. We lost the trail a little bit at that point! Beware: there is some scrambling involved, so do not do this hike if you are afraid of heights or are not particularly dexterous. Do not take children or dogs on this hike if you hope to make it to Trappers Peak safely.

There is not a ton of room to spread out at Trappers Peak, but my oh my! The views! You get a birds-eye view of the town of Newhalem which is a treat in and of itself. On the other side of the ridge lurks Mt. Triumph and the three tiered Thornton Lakes. I have never seen anything like it in Washington. As if you needed anymore views, The Pickets are also doing a full frontal show of their sexy spires.  Enjoy!

The Pickets!