Trappers Peak and Thornton Lakes
9/8/26
Trappers Peak is one of the iconic hikes along the scenic HW 20 of the North Cascades, offering stunning views of the rugged Southern Pickets and Mount Triumph. Joining me on this trip were 3 fellow WWU students.
After leaving Bellingham just after 7:30 a.m., we rolled into the TH just after 9:30. The road up isn't terrible; my buddy Mikey's Kia Forte made it with no issues.
For the first two miles, the trail gently ascended through the forest, crossing multiple creeks, most notably Thornton Creek. After that gentle approach, the trail steepened as we gained nearly 2000' in 2 miles through a series of switchbacks. As is common with nearly all peaks in the North Cascades, the views didn't open up until we broke above the tree line. At 5,000' we hit the Thornton Lake, Trappers Peak cutoff. We stayed right and got on the Trappers Peak climber's trail. Views finally began to open up behind us as the seldomly climbed Big and Little Devil Peaks poked out. The grade steepened as we ascended a rocky section to gain the ridge; many consider this the crux of the climb. I'd consider this section Class 2+/Low Class 3.
Crossing Thornton Creek
Just above the trail split
Heading up the ridgeline
There she lies
Once on the ridgeline, the grade lessened, and the views went from good to jaw-dropping as Mount Triumph and the Pickets came into view. The route up to the summit was Class 2+ with a few sections of minor exposure. We watched two marmots go at it, always funny to see. The summit of Trappers was quite flat, probably because Trappers Peak is less of a peak and more of a bump in the ridgeline which continues up to X Mountain. Nonetheless, the views are fantastic, with much of the North Cascades surrounding us and the pristine Thornton Lakes lying thousands of feet below.
Fight… fight…
Thornton Lake way below
The ruggedness of the North Cascades
The nice flat summit
Mikey and I up top
The Pickets behind
After 30 minutes up top, we descended back down to the trail split before taking the Thornton Lake Trail as we dropped 500' to Thornton Lake's dark blue waters. Here we took a long break, as I worked up the courage to take a dip; don't let the lack of snow fool you; the water is frigid.
Descending off the ridgeline
In the lake
The rest of the hike was unnoteworthy as we reascended to the split before descending back to the TH.
Back to the trailhead
Overall, this is a Washington classic for a reason. While the hike doesn't get interesting until the final 10%, the last stretch more than makes up for it. This is about as basic as a scramble could be, Class 2+ / Low Class 3, which makes it perfect for beginners. As always, happy hiking and Stay Safe.
Final Stats: 11 Miles - 4,200' Gain - 8:00 C2C
