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Thornton Lakes Trail
The Thornton Lake Trail is a popular day or overnight hike to one of the North Cascades' many cirque, or glacier-formed, lakes.
Plan Around Thornton Lakes Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Thornton Lakes Trail Details
Thornton Lake Trail is a popular day or overnight out and back hike (12 miles round trip) to one of the North Cascades' many cirque, or glacier-formed, lakes. After following an old, level road from the trailhead, the trail climbs through a series of switchbacks in a shady hemlock forest, and crosses boggy meadow before it reaches a ridge overlooking the lake and Thornton Peak. Some hikers stop at this point, satisfied by the spectacular view, but the trail continues, descending to the lake's outlet and three backcountry camping sites. This descent can be very wet and muddy, and you will have to scramble across large rocks and logs to cross the outlet and reach the sites. The trailhead is on Thornton Lake Road, 11 miles east of Marblemount on State Route 20.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
12 miles
Estimated time
8 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Thornton Lakes Trail
Compare nearby parks around Thornton Lakes Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Thornton Lakes Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Thornton Lakes Trail while the map context is still fresh.
2.8 mi away
Goodell Creek
Goodell Creek, a Skagit River tributary, is home to a campground and a pretty, wildflower-dotted picnic area.
2.8 mi away
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades is a unique mix of protected wilderness and areas open to hunting and even industrial use.
2.8 mi away
River Loop Trail
The River Loop Trail is a charming walk through a mossy, sun-dappled forest.
2.8 mi away
Sterling Munro Trail
The Sterling Munro trail is a short interpretive trail yielding inspiring views of the Picket Range's jagged peaks.
2.8 mi away
North Cascades Visitor Center
The North Cascades Visitor Center, located near Newhalem, is open mid-May through October.
