Thornton Lakes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thornton Lakes
The middle lake of the Thornton Lakes group
Thornton Lakes Location in Washington (state) Show map of Washington (state) Thornton Lakes Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	North Cascades National Park, Whatcom County, Washington, United States
Coordinates	48°41′16″N 121°19′57″W / 48.68778°N 121.33250°W / 48.68778; -121.33250
Type	Cirque Lakes
Primary outflows	Thornton Creek
Basin countries	United States
Max. length	800 yd (730 m)
Max. width	400 yd (370 m)
Surface elevation	4,708 ft (1,435 m)

Thornton Lakes are located in North Cascades National Park, in the U. S. state of Washington. These paternoster lakes consist of three lakes located 1 to 1.75 mi (1.61 to 2.82 km) southeast of Mount Triumph. Thornton Lakes can be accessed on foot from a trailhead in Ross Lake National Recreation Area. The hike of 5.2 mi (8.4 km) includes a 2,400-foot (730 m) altitude gain and a 500-foot (150 m) descent to Lower Thornton Lake. Two other lakes lie above the first one, unofficially named Middle and Upper Thornton Lakes. A designated backcountry camping zone is located at Lower Thornton Lake.