Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail — Monday, Jun. 25, 2001

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Our group of seven Mntrs arranged a car shuttle at either end of the hike so we could do a one-way trip. We started at Rainy Pass on the PCT and encountered a tricky creek crossing early on. Gaiters saved our feet! Encountered snow at 6000 feet which was pretty well compacted although we postholed a few times. Trail is easy to follow as long as you pay attention. Gaiters and poles are a big help. We stopped to eat just below the pass, climbing to some heather and rocks above the trail. Good thing we stopped there because we were pelted by snow at the pass. Paused for some photos, got our bearings (the trail down is below, not the one you can see) and headed down in typical N Cascades Juneuary stormy weather. Cutthroat trail from just below pass all the way out is completely free of snow and the creek crossings are manageable. Well the effort of car shuttle to be able to see 10.5 miles of fresh scenery.