Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail — Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024

Bottom Line:

Another "go now" - the larches are a peak, mostly golden, and no significant needle fall so far (although gusty winds yesterday might change that). You arrive at Rainy Pass and face the "Cutthroat or Heather-Maple" decision. At least in the early to mid-afternoon, the choice is clear with Cutthroat this time of year. You will have sun and backlite larches pretty much the entire trail, while Heather-Maple descends into shade across the valley. Quite a number of campers at and just below the pass (out of the wind) that probably had an amazing sunrise this morning. Winter is coming, and my tired body is asking whether I have any other hobbies! :)

Stats:

• Distance: ~12-1/2 miles (with ridge walk towards Cutthroat Peak)
• Vertical: 2390 ft
• Duration: 4-1/2 hours
• Road/Parking: Lots on both sides of Rainy Pass were full, with overflow parking on the shoulder of Hwy 20. Most of the folks were headed over to Heather-Maple Loop so the Cutthroat side was pretty quiet. National Forest Parking Pass required. Toilets. The drive up from Mazama is beautiful right now, with golden larches fringing all the peaks. The pull-off down at Kangaroo Pass from Monday had a single car ;)
• Weather: Sunny with some marine layer clouds to the west; 30-40Fs but seemed warmer in the sunshine. Cutthroat has perfect late afternoon sunshine all the way to sunset, unlike the Heather-Maple side which became shady in the late afternoon. Gusty winds at the pass which were starting to blow the golden needles off the larches. A hard freeze was forecast for overnight.
• Water: There is water for filtering for the 1st ~3 miles up to the pass, with the trail crossing numerous little streams. There is no water once you start the final switchbacks up to the pass, and at the pass itself.
• Larches: What can I say - at peak and amazing. They are good at all elevations, which can be unusual, even on the gusty ridge walk out to the scramble up Cutthroat Peak. This trail is optimal in the afternoon, with tree backlighting the entire way up (and down). This might be the best show I have been at Cutthroat, but it will not last long (especially if the winds continue). A surreal stroll through an alpine bathed in an orange glow - even the descent was enthralling.
• Trail: The PCT up to the pass is in excellent conditions with just a few areas of mud. It is wide, level, nearly rock-free, moderate incline - this is a trail that is just a breeze to power through to the pass. You might feel like you could walk this one forever, and a few years ago I ended up doing just that until I found myself out at Snowy Lakes, and realized my "day hike" had a 12-1/2 mile return to my car! But starting late in the day, I was on a timeline, and decided to make a sharp right at the pass and head out on the ridge towards Cutthroat Peak as far as I could go without getting into some significant scrambling. The walk along the ridge with the streaming afternoon sun and an orange glow enveloping the place was delightful :) NOTE: Mountain bikes are allowed up from the Cutthroat Lake side, so you may see them at the pass.
• Takeaway: Cutthroat Pass is just the beginning, and the trail out to Snowy Lakes is exceptionally beautiful as well. Route-finding, gear and scrambling skills needs to attain Cutthroat Peak.

Attached video captures the late day sunlight on the golden larches

More Information on this Trip Report

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