One way hike starting from Cutthroat Lake TH and ending at the PCT TH at Rainy pass. Got to the pass at 9:30 and the lots were full and about 30 cars parked on the hwy. I think that most are headed for Maple Pass. We left a car there and drove about 18 minutes to Cutthroat Lake TH.
On the trail there were hikers and a few very polite mountain bikers but it never felt crowded. Doing the hike in this direction maximizes the amount of sunlight. You also get to enjoy the less crowded part in the am and exit the more crowded PCT when most people have left.
The short detour to Cutthroat Lake is definitely worthwhile and makes a nice balance for photos.
We explored around the pass. There are trails to follow. Try very hard not to trample the delicate vegetation.
Larches are right about peak now. Most are bright gold. Just a few have a bit of lime green. Near the pass on the east side, some are just a bit beyond prime. This year is much better than last year due to late summer rains. Last year the larches turned tan brown instead of gold due to drought stress. I think that the fall color will begin waning after this weekend.
The Blue Lake Fire is located between Rainy Pass and the Blue Lake trailhead. Ironically it does not extend to Blue Lake itself and does not impact the Blue Lake trail. It is still smoldering and there is a strong smell of smoke on the road and the air was locally smokey right around the fire only.
The Sourdough Fire damage can be appreciated from the Diablo Lake viewpoint. The tree damage is patchy and it was not nearly as damaging as the Bolt Creek fire last year. The dead trees still have their singed needles so I think it was primarily an understory fire that singed the canopy but didn't actually burn in the canopy. That is a good thing.
Photography tip: use a polarizing lens. I have a $20 clip on for my cell phone. Also try to take photos with backlighting to get the full effect. You need to shade the lens with your hand so you don't get lens reflection.
Weekend might be crazy crowded so go super early.
The trail is in great condition and the grade is very easy. 13.2 mi. 2800ft
Comments
BEAUTIFUL photos! Enjoy your trip to Italy!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Oct 05, 2023 08:29 PM
Thank you!
Posted by:
Maddy on Oct 05, 2023 09:05 PM
Thank you for leaving a link to your photo's that was a real help!
Posted by:
IronBoots on Oct 05, 2023 10:13 PM
Excellent trail and colors. Concise and useful review.
Posted by:
gpdx on Oct 06, 2023 10:10 AM