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Thornton Lakes

Backpacking2 days9.1 mi (round-trip)
Upcoming
Advance lottery opens
Mar 1, 3 PM
Trips May 14 – Oct 9, 2027
Best time
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Itinerary

Thornton Lakes Trailhead
4.5 mi • 2,500 ft gain
Thornton Lake Camp
4.5 mi • 400 ft gain
Thornton Lakes Trailhead
Driving directions

How to get a permit

This trip requires a North Cascades National Park Backcountry Permit. Reservations depend on your start date:

Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct

Trips starting between October 11, 2026 and May 13, 2027

Permits required. No quota.

In-person reservations

Opens day of

Permit details

Here is how to fill out the North Cascades National Park Backcountry Permit application:

Starting AreaShort Trails
CampsiteThornton Lake Camp

Select a start date

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