Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail — Monday, Oct. 7, 2024

What a beautiful day! The larches are brilliantly yellow. Trail was mostly clear with just a wee bit of snow at the very top. We lucked out with a parking spot in the lot. Parking lot was very crowded with hundreds of cars along Hwy 20, but it seemed many hikers were headed to Heather Maple across the road. Hikers on the Cutthroat Pass trails spread out nicely. Everyone was very kind and seemed to follow leave-no-trace principles. The hike meanders through the forest the first 3 or so miles. Then, the trail opens into fields of yellow larches for the next two miles. Simply gorgeous!