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Thornton Lakes

Backpacking2 days9.1 mi (round-trip)

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

Trips starting between May 16 and October 11

Permits required. Quota in effect.
1st option

Online lottery

Mar 3⁠–⁠14 Passed
Enter lottery
2nd option

Online reservations

Closes 2 days ahead
Book
Get notified when we find cancellations
Release
Apr 29 at 7 AM PDT Passed
Unclaimed permits only
3rd option

In-person reservations

Opens 1 day ahead

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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