Trappers Peak is located in North Cascades National Park, and is accessed via the Thornton Lakes Trailhead off of Highway 20. The forest service road once you turn off of the highway does have a sign recommending all-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles, which I can attest to. I took my Honda Fit as far as I dared, but ended up cutting my losses and parking 2 miles from the trailhead, which added an additional 4 miles round trip and ~500 feet of elevation gain. The first few miles of the actual trail were pretty easy, and had more moss as ground cover versus plants and ferns which are found in areas more south in the Cascade range. Once you start really climbing, the trail became pretty root-y, and there were a decent number of muddy spots. After the fork where you choose between Thornton Lakes (left) and Trappers Peak (right), the climb increases, with a few areas that require mild scrambling. None of the scrambling was too intense or had much to speak of in exposure. Trappers Peak itself was pretty large at the top, with a greater area to explore than other pointier peaks. It also appeared to have a received a recent dusting of snow, none of which caused concerns for being able to traverse across safely. The main drawback with this hike is how far of a drive it is from the greater Seattle area compared to other areas of the Cascades, such as the Mountain Loop Highway, Steven's Pass, or Snoqualmie Pass. That being said, the trail was generally well maintained, and on a Monday at the end of September, I saw fewer than 10 other hikers the entire day.

Pale Hiker tip: Please remember to bring your first aid kit whenever you hike. On the way back down from the summit, I had a minor slip and took a chunk of skin out of my left hand which then proceeded to bleed a good amount. I thought I had a first aid kit in my pack, but I unfortunately did not and was unable to clean and treat the wound until I got back home 6 hours later.

Trappers Peak, completed September 30, 2024.

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/t...
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/tra...

15.6 miles round trip, with 4,311 feet of elevation gain. Moving time of 5:54.

Located in North Cascades National Park.

Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking.

Shot on iPhone 13 Pro.