Camping or Day Hike

This trail makes a nice day hike or overnight backpack trip.  The area offers many opportunities for off-trail exploration.  The trail ends at lower Thornton Lake.  However, it is possible to traverse along the shore of lower Thronton Lake to the upper lakes.  A scramble route leads steeply upwards to Trappers Peak.

A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays.  Permits are limited and must be obtained at the Marblemount or Newhalem ranger station.  There is a designated camp with three sites on lower Thornton Lake.  Camping is not allowed on the ridge above the lake, Trappers Peak, or at the second lake.  Cross-country camping is allowed only at the third lake, Triumph Col, or more than one mile beyond the lower lake.

The first 2.3 miles of the trail follow an old road grade through a logging area from the 1960's.  After an unimproved crossing at Thornton Creek , the trail will soon enter steep forested slopes with moderate to steep switchbacks.  Four and a half miles from the trailhead, the trail breaks into meadows just below the open ridge.  From here there are views of Mt. Triumph, T-bone Ridge and Skagit Valley.  A scramble route leads steeply upward to Trappers Peak where there are views of all three lakes.