A total treat today hiking this trail on a blue sky
day. Trail is in great condition with snow only towards the top, close to the pass. And the larches were gorgeous - will likely be peak sometime in the next few days along with the fall foliage so the red colors will also be brighter. Go as soon as you can!

Cutthroat Pass via PCT Report

08:45 

Got to the trailhead area and parked on the side of highway 20, the only people who got spots in the main lot were ones that camped there. 

09:45

My group and I left and it was a very nice hike. It's mainly covered by trees, and I was warm enough with fleece leggings, fleece pants, and a beanie. When we got to the larches the snow that was dusty, was very packed and I regret not bring hiking poles, or maybe spikes to put on. But by the time we went back down most of the snow was slush and muddy puddles. 

We made it to the pass at 12:30, and stayed there for 45 minutes. The other hikers were very nice and we say about 5 groups pitch tents along the way up. It was very crowded, but I expect nothing less for larch madness.

I even brought my backpacking stove to make a warm drink. 

We made it back down to the TH at 15:30, which I was impressed with as I was leading a large group. The snow had mostly melted, and it was a nice trek back down.

I only hiked Blue Lake but I wanted to comment on parking for Maple Pass and Cutthroat Pass since I drove right by then on the way there and back.

Parking - At 7:20am cars were lined on both sides of Highway 20 at Rainy Pass (Maple and Cutthroat trailhead) for less than a quarter of a mile. When I returned at 12:30, cars were lined on both sides for half a mile on the east side and one mile on the west side.

At Blue Lake there were a few spots in the lot when I got there at 7:30. By 7:45 when I hit the trail the lot was full. When I returned around noon there were cars parked on Highway 20 but not too far down the road. 

On to the good stuff! I really love this trail. I love that it's beautiful but not too long or too steep and that there are so many amazing views here and there in the forest and especially in the last half mile.

The last half mile of the trail was VERY slippery today - there was only about an inch of new snow but it was packed and super icy especially when it warmed up enough to melt on top. I just had poles but I really wished I had remembered it was October and added my spikes!

The larches looked pretty peak to me - there are a few that are still a little green but overall they were beautiful. I think there should be at least another good week for larches. At the open area about a mile in when I looked up I thought there were going to still be more green but when I got there most of them were bright yellow.

There are a few rocks here and there and a few roots but overall the trail is in great condition just be ready for the slippery snow/icy bit towards the top.

Great views of all the mountains today!

Apple Watch says 11.5 miles/2000 ft gain which includes the quarter mile walk from car parked on hwy 20 due to the beginning days of Larch Madness and some wandering around the top.

A 3:30 a.m. wake up call got me to the trailhead at 7:15 a.m. Got on trail by 7:30 a.m. water crossings were easy and snow began about 3 miles in. I didn’t need micro spikes which was a good thing because I didn’t pack them. (Note to self: micro spikes go in pack Oct 1 from now on) The snow covered the larches and most of the fall color.

Got to the top at 10:15 a.m. where there were about 2-4 inches of snow. Sun was shining, and while the larches aren’t at their peak just yet,  I enjoyed how the snow made this hike unique for me as I’ve hiked this trail several times.

I sat at the top and enjoyed my Backcountry Foodie recipe of Bowtie Pasta Primavera…which I ate with my hands because I forgot my fork.🤦‍♀️ Also had hot mint tea to enjoy with the views.

Headed back down around 11 a.m. and got to my car around 1:30 pm to make the long drive back home.

What a beautiful hike 😍 I hiked this on 10/5 and found a watch on my way down. It was nearly dark and clouds were rolling in. I'd love to return the watch to the owner. If it is yours please email me a description of it: shantiorogeny@hotmail.com