It felt unbelievable and almost inappropriate that I hadn’t been to the North Cascades this year, so I decided to seize the opportunity before larch madness begins.
After sleeping in and driving for a few hours, I arrived at the trailhead to light drizzle. Well, not “at” the trailhead as it turned out to be closed for construction, together with restrooms - fenced off with “federal offense to trespass” signs to even better signify it was closed indeed. Cars were lined up along the highway for less than half a mile in each direction, which I thought was moderate given the season. I was able to get almost a prime spot when someone left.
While crowds were heading to Maple Pass, I followed “detour” signs to PCT and Cutthroat Pass, and soon entered blissful quietness of this trail that seems to get almost zero attention.
The trail is a mild climb - common and highly appreciated feature of PCT - and being under thick canopy was beneficial with on and off rain. A couple creek crossings posed risk of getting feet wet, so I was thankful for my waterproof boots, although I’d have definitely found my dry way on rocks if I didn’t have them.
At a bit higher elevation, blueberries begin. They are still hanging in, high in quantity and quality, but their days are definitely counted. Some are drying up, some are getting mushy and taste as if they can affect your BAC level. Don’t blueberry and drive! Anyway, there’s still some left that can be enjoyed. And even if there’s no more delight for stomach, crimson foliage is still a delight for eyes.
Next up, larches kicked in. They are in their “faded green, barely yellow” phase right now; not quite there yet but about to burst.
It was windy at the pass, but I still detoured to the right (south) to explore an offshoot trail - didn’t go too far though as views didn’t seem to improve (my usual lame excuse when I’m tired to push further). Two almost ripe-golden larches were found at the pass.
After a quick lunch, I turned around and returned to the trailhead uneventfully. As I was passing restrooms, I saw people using them, but didn’t dare to do that myself - being charged with a federal offense for criminal use of outhouse was not in my plans today.
Stats: 4 hr 15 min, with 2 hr up, 30 min at the pass, and 1 hr 45 min down.
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