Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail — Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

We had originally hoped to reach Bald Mountain, but instead settled on the open, sunny basin of Cutthroat Lakes. On the drive to the trailhead, we stopped at the bridge over Mallardy Creek, where a large cedar had fallen earlier in the season. The main trunk had already been cleared, but the bridge was still littered with debris. We took a few minutes to tidy it up further, leaving the crossing more passable for vehicles.
We set out from the trailhead (3,100’) at 8:30 a.m. The first patches of snow appeared around 3,300’, and by 3,500’ the ground was fully covered. Fortunately, it was only a few inches deep, so the trail remained easy to follow. Along the way I counted roughly a dozen step-over trees and three duck-unders. One of the latter is tight enough that you’ll need to remove your pack to squeeze through.
We reached the upper lakes around noon, but with only 4.5 hours of daylight remaining, we decided to turn back rather than push farther. We crossed paths with two other hikers who had also chosen to stop at the lakes.
The day began at 32º, so we layered up and kept moving with warm gloves and trekking poles. Several small streams were easy to cross, though sections of the trail carried running water. Waterproof boots proved essential for keeping feet dry.
Despite the obstacles, it was another rewarding day in the mountains — crisp air, snowy trails, and the quiet beauty of Cutthroat Lakes.

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://www.flickr.com/photos/nabuckley/albums/72177720330464644