Arrived just before 0730 to a full lot. We didn't have to park on the highway, thankfully! 2 vault toilets with no TP, so make sure to be prepared! This trail was relatively easy for us. The trail is well graded, with the first two miles being the most flat. Even though the parking lot was full, we really didn't run into too many hikers on our way up. Around 3 miles in the larches start to show up, along with some switchbacks, but they don't seem bad because of all of the beautiful views! I hit 5 miles as soon as we got to the pass. It took us 2 hours to get there with a moderate pace and lots of stops for pictures. The smoke was pretty bad today, unfortunately. Once we started coming down we ran into lots of backpackers, day hikers and dogs. We clocked 10 miles round trip and just over 4 hours. 

Are you wondering Cutthroat or Maple Loop Pass? We did Maple Loop Pass last year, but both agreed that we enjoyed Cutthroat more. But, why not do both?! Definitely arrive as early as possible. As we left today, cars were parked in no parking zones which made it difficult to drive out while avoiding hikers and potholes. The highway was lined on both sides with cars for both trailheads for almost 1 mile. If you can get down here on a weekday, it may be better! 

Happy fall hiking 🍁

Horrendous amounts of people on this hike. On a Saturday we ran into no less than 100 groups across the 10 miles. At 830am parking was overflow to the highway. The larches are not worth the crowds.

By the time we left the trail, cars were double parked in and the lineup of cars went miles in both directions on Highway 20. Truly sad to see, the Northwest needs a permitting system to avoid environmental damage to the area.

We arrived at 10:30am to cars parked down hwy 20. We had expected this and just made the extra trek up to the trailhead. Not so bad. There were lots of people, but as we headed to the Cutthroat Pass Trailhead, it became evident that the majority of them were going to Heather-Maple Pass Loop.

Trail is in good condition. The first 3 miles are through forest. Unfortunately, the trees seemed to trap the smoke in. After about 3 miles, the trial opens up and the smoke situation gets better. This is also around the time you start to see larches appear on the mountain side. Soon enough you'll be among them!

The larches are gorgeous! I was worried that with the weather staying warm they may not be golden, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that our timing was perfect. Their color is absolutely jaw-dropping. Take your time making your way up through them. Stop. Take pictures. Admire. The granite boulders among the fall foliage also add so much to the beauty.

As you make you way up to the pass, the views just get better. It was a little windy at the top, but still great conditions to stop for lunch, take photos, and admire your surroundings. Many mountain views and spots to take a well deserved break. While there were many people, there was never a point on trial that I felt crowded. It was easy to find quiet and space. Everyone we encountered (people and dogs) showed kindness.

While this hike is longer than the Heather-Maple Pass hike, it's elevation gain is very gradual. I appreciate this because it allowed me to stop more often to admire the larches and take it all in. Hands down, this is one of the best hikes I have ever done. Looking for larches? This is the one!

I absolutely love this hike. It may be one of my top five favorites. I wanted a hike that offers it all for fall and this was it. I go in for surgery on 10/11 so this is an excellent end of season hike for me. Recovery will limit me to super easy strolls.
The fall colors are stunning. The Larches are in all stages. Many are done. The trail is dusty. 3 good streams for dogs to drink out of and two for filtering water. Up on the pass was hazy. We went 3/4 of a mile past the pass just to see what it looked like around the corner bend.
Hoyt and Grogu had an amazing time but were very tired on the return trip to the truck.
On a Friday @0900 Hwy 20 was already packed with cars for Heather Maple Pass. Two completely hikes and I favor the one.

Had a lovely long weekend Larch March with friends with two nights at Snowy Lakes via PCT>Cutthroat Pass. We got to the Rainy Pass trailhead parking lot at 7 a.m. on a Friday and found the last couple of parking spaces.

Started the trail a little after 8 a.m. and slowly made our way up to Cutthroat Pass for lunch. The trail wasn’t too crowded, but we ran into Miranda in the Wild and then a little more than half way up we began getting distracted by the beautiful larches in contrast with the red and purple fall foliage. We made it to Cutthroat after Noon and enjoyed the views at the top. A little after 1 p.m. we were on our way over Granite Pass headed toward Snowy Lakes.

We got to Upper Snowy Lake by 5 p.m, and set up camp. It’s pretty rocky up there so difficult to stake out a tent, so be prepared to use rocks when you can’t use stakes.

Now, let’s talk about what’s really important about this trip report. Where do you poop?

Many a trip report mentions a new loo up at Snowy Lakes, but no real clues where that is. We thought we saw one way up on the ridge above the lakes, but a person in our group only found a couple of guys cowboy camping up there…where lots of rocks are square like a pit toilet. They were able to provide directions to the pit toilet down by Lower Snowy Lakes which was quite the hike from Upper Snowy Lake.

On Saturday morning on my way back up to camp after using the Lower Snowy Lake loo, I randomly found the sign for the Upper Snowy Lakes pit toilet. The sign points toward the lake. In case I need to say this, the lake is NOT your pit toilet.

In order to find both toilets you must look out for the new signs which currently blend in with the bright yellow larches, once you find the signs you rely on the cairns that lead you to your relief. Each one is a journey in their own right. As of this trip report each loo is brand new, and each one offers a great view although arguably the Upper Snowy toilet wins that competition.

When I was up there two years ago, it was definitely a pack it out situation. It couldn’t have been an easy endeavor finding a spot to dig a hole since most the terrain up there is rock. I’m super thankful for the crew who made those toilets possible.