Arrived to the trailhead around 730 with only a few other cars in the lot - most looking like they were there overnight. The trail had a few muddy patches at the beginning but was mostly snow covered. Snow was packed down and easy to walk on. We did bring micro spikes and poles but ended up being fine in our trail runners and never used them. Most larches have lost probably half of their needles at this point but the views were still there and absolutely worth it.

The seasoning of layering is definitely here! It was about 30 degrees when we arrived and 48 once we got back to our car around 1230. It’s also obviously a bit chillier in the shade, warmer in the sun, and pretty breezy at the top of the pass.

Got to TH around 10:10am (parked on road). Was around 28 deg F. Maybe slightly icy on road up to TH but probably all melted by now. Trail is mostly covered with packed snow. Grateful for hikers who broke trail and packed it all down already! Seems like many people had the same idea to see snowy larches today before more rain/snow rolls in later this week. Amazing day.  

Arrived TH 11am; highway clear and dry but road to TH snow-covered, deep tire cuts.  Trail itself was a single track with ~6" of powder turning to slush/mud and sliding off trees.  Went as far as the valley to confirm the fall color was buried under white (plus low clouds!), and then turned around.  Forecast is a low of 22F tonight (Monday) so would expect some real ice for the rest of the week.

GORGEOUS trail, even with some inclement weather. We went for larch viewing and were so happy to have gone despite some weather. Some rain at lower altitudes then wind and snow at higher altitudes but never felt dangerous and accumulation was hardly beginning at this point. Fields of larches and other colorful plans were on display against a backdrop of rocks and green, with a diverse set of scenes on offer. The incline is so gradual it felt like a regular walk both up and down. We clocked about 6 miles each way to the pass itself. Trail itself is in excellent condition and appears like someone designed it to be 'easy'. Roadway to the trailhead is potholed but any car can handle it if driven slowly. Parking lot was nearly full by about 8:30am on a Saturday but plenty of spaces available long the road.

Absolutely stunning right now. Walking through a sea of larches with my jaw literally dropping. And that’s with today’s weather ranging from light rain, to partly cloudy, to dark clouds. While I personally wouldn’t want to be here during a downpour, this hike doesn’t need a perfect sunny day to enjoy. Highly recommend once reaching the pass to continue down the Cutthroat Trail for at least a mile for a wider display of red bushes and a larger curved larch that must be one of the oldest beauties out there. And of course a high up view of Cutthroat Lake. Plenty of creeks in the first three miles that are currently easy to cross and good for dogs to drink from but we made use of extra water we brought for the remaining miles. We ended up doing over 12 miles and 2300ft of elevation gain by choosing to add on a portion of the Cutthroat (Creek) Trail. Enjoy!