I hiked the JMT NOBO in 2020, starting from Cottonwood Pass. I liked it better than SOBO.
Yes, you are correct; however, please make sure you obtain a permit from Cottonwood Pass, not Cottonwood Lakes.
Hiking NOBO on the trail can extend your trip by a few days. For example, I trekked from Horseshoe Meadows to Crabtree Ranger Station (20+ miles) in one day and then continued to Mt Whitney the following day, which serves as the starting point for the JMT. Depending on how long you take to hike the JMT, resupply options may differ from SOBO. I only re-supplied twice: once at Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR) and again in Mammoth.
Why do you suggest Cottonwood Pass over Lakes? I knew they are both options, just have not planned in that much detail yet. I might do Pass just because I have done the Cottonwood Lakes in the past.
I think I might still try and get a Happy Isles permit and do it the traditional way, but Cottonwood Pass seems like a good plan B.
