Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail — Sunday, Aug. 19, 2001

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Hiked up and camped at the top of Cutthroat Pass-- the hike in was great, 5 miles, uphill all the way with rewarding views every few steps. Trail condition was good, with only minor blow-over and avoidable mud but quite a few loose rocks. The trail is primarily dry, loose dirt and rocks once you clear the forest. The trail is lined with berry bushes-- but the due to the dry season there were very few with any berries on them. The weather was perfect for the hike up. There are ample flat, soft camping spaces at the pass, many of them occupied. Just remember to fill up your water flasks, the closest source is a tiny stream about 30 minutes back down the path. The pass is extremely picturesque-- craggy mountain peaks and lucious valleys in every direction. Plan on taking pictures, I took ~100 throughout the weekend. Camping at the pass, however, I do not recommend. If you stay the night you will want to be prepared for wind and cold. It was already 50°F by 6pm. The spots to camp at are soft, with plenty space for at least one tent and lounging. The problem is only a couple have even minor shielding from the wind that tears through the pass as soon as night falls. All night long I felt like my tent had a secret desire to float me off, like Mary Poppins riding the wind on her umbrella. It blew and battered the tent all night long, loudly enough to keep me from getting very much sleep. At sunrise the wind stopped, the sun came out, and all was good again in the world. I moved my sleeping pad outside the tent and got a little of the rest I missed out on during the night. At 5 miles up and 5 miles down I would say this is an excellent day hike, but don't camp here unless you are prepared to bear the cold and wind. Allow yourself about 6-7 hours for a leasurely enough stroll to enjoy all of the scenery and a stop at the top.