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Thornton Lakes


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:

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

May 17 – Oct 12

Limited number of permits available.

3 options


A

Passed Online lottery

OpensMar 47 AM PST
ClosesMar 159 PM PDT
Mar 4–15
Enter lottery
Enter lottery

B

Online reservations

OpensApr 297 AM PDT
Closes2 days ahead11:59 PM PDT
Apr 29 – 2 days ahead
Book online
Passed Unclaimed lottery permits release: Apr 29 at 7 AM PDT
Book online

C

In-person reservations

Opens1 day ahead7:45 AM PDT
ClosesDay of4:30 PM PDT
1 day ahead – 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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