Got to the trail head at about 8:30am on Tuesday 10/07. The trail head parking was full, so I parked maybe a 1/4 mile down the access road, so not too bad. For reference, the Maple Valley lot across the road was already backing up onto Highway 20.

I brought TP because I wasn't sure if the facilities would be stocked given the government shutdown, but was surprised that it was fully stocked, although I can't say how long that will last.

This is a pretty accessible hike with the grade being very manageable all the way to the pass. There are a few water crossings, but nothing that was too difficult to get passed.

The larches were looking great, but maybe still need a few more days to get to peak. There are a lot of bright yellow ones with plenty of lime green ones mixed in. Perhaps this weekend will be good, but I'm not sure what the weather looked like. I felt quite pleased with the weather I had for my hike.

Spent a while at the pass just soaking in the views and having some lunch. There are several options for you to branch off an explore a little more. Next time I do this, I will come from the other side, coming up from the lake. 

Larch season is always a favorite of mine and always make time to make this pilgrimage. I feel blessed to be able to experience scenery as grand as this just a few hours drive from my house. 

Parking lot open. They are checking for forest pass permits.
Larches are in full glory. Parking lot was full when we arrived at 9:14. Found easy parallel spot at entrance. About 20 cars parked on the shoulders of Hwy20.
Trail is in great condition. Peak was windy as expected. Super happy to see dogs on leashes and no poop bags left about.

Left lot about 45 minutes before sunrise and only encountered a handful of others before reaching Cutthroat Pass. The larches are a spectrum from yellow-green to golden. Very few have turned straw color and begun to lose needles. They seemed more golden east of the passes and greener on the west side. I thought the stretch from Cutthroat Pass to Granite Pass was, by far, the best scenery. I guess I like rocks more than trees. And so, all these images are from the route between the two passes. The large rocky knob with a use trail to the top overlooking Granite Pass has amazing 180 degree views. Some clouds today mid-morning, but no smoke.   

Great trail for larch season. Less busy than maple pass across the road, but still had a fair amount of traffic. Would highly recommend this trail for easy-moderate hikers, no crazy drop offs and moderate grade throughout.

Larches were still lime green but I bet they will peak next week. I expect heavier crowds then.

Just a quick note that both parking lots are open. I hiked cutthroat pass from the cutthroat lake side but drove in to check it out on the way home.