I love this trail and they had no sign in front that said the trail was closed.So I took my chance and drove down the road and made it halfway until I saw two logging trucks completely blocking the road.So I had to back up and turn around.
This is one of my favorite hikes. I can't believe they've closed this trail for 3 years now for logging. I tried calling, and they shuffled me around departments. And I believe the nature conservation is responsible for this trail. The guy actually emailed me back and said he thinks this is the last year that the road will be closed. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope he wasn't just making it up to calm me down.
They've been closing it during the best time when the snow melts and it is open during the winter, but very difficult to navigate without the proper experience and equipment.
Comments
George & Sally on Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail
The road up to the Walt Bailey/Cutthroat Lakes trailhead from the Mountain Loop Highway is on Forest Service land, so they must be having the logging operation. The first 1/2 mile of the trail is on FS land, with the rest on DNR state land to get up to the lakes and Bald Mtn. I was first up there back in the 1970's. George
Posted by:
George & Sally on Oct 02, 2025 09:21 PM
ejain on Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail
According to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mbs/alerts/fsr-4030-and-fsr-4032-closure-order the road is supposed to re-open Oct 15, but don't count on it...
Posted by:
ejain on Oct 02, 2025 11:11 PM
mountain-view on Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail
Thank you for the update! I miss this trail too and hope it becomes accessible again during peak hiking season 🤞
Posted by:
mountain-view on Oct 03, 2025 12:01 PM