I did almost the exact same hike a year ago on June 12, 2023 and there was less snow above 5,500 ft then, in comparison to what I found today almost a month later.  I was surprised given how fast the snow disappeared below 5,000 this year.  In the distance, there appears to be a lot of high elevation snow -- the coming warm spell will accelerate its loss.

The first time I did Cutthroat Pass was an overnight on August 1, 2006.  Since that time, I have been to the Pass several times from both sides.  It has become one of my favorites, if not my favorite.  The pass is relatively close to high elevation vehicle access and it lies at a high elevation itself (~6,800 ft).  The views from the Pass are outstanding; they start early on both sides and only get better; go 350 to 650 feet higher to the northern ridge and the views are exceptional.  In addition, the experience from Rainy Pass is vastly different than that from Cutthroat Lake -- I cannot think of another pass with such a stark contrast. The icing on the cake is the presence (and abundance) of subalpine larch on both sides.

Although I arrived at Rainy Pass rather late (~noon), the temperature when I parked was 53oF (when I returned it was 56).  Although there were a few cars parked along Highway 20, there was still parking within the designated trailhead parking lot.  When you leave Highway 20 on the north side, there is a short paved section and then from side to side lies a masterful maze of potholes; going to the other edges helps, but does assure safe passage.  Did not use the facility (had used the one in the Early Winters Campground and it gets an A+). 

The trail is in outstanding condition -- it has the PCT recommended grade of 10% ±_ and thus it is 5 miles from the trailhead to the Pass.  There were no shortages of stream crossings, four of which required some thought and care and more thought and care on the return as the water level was a little higher.  The coming warm temperatures might add to this contrast.  This contrast will disappear as most of the snow melts. All day there were very strong winds which brought an abundance of cold air, which I found very refreshing.  From just before the officially camping area at the base of the cirques headwall, snow in larger and larger patches begins.  The switchbacks on the side with all the subalpine larch were just short segments to totally covered with snow.  There were plenty of good foot imprints to easily cross these snow covered sections.  I did not use microspikes, but a pole helped greatly.  At least half, if not more, of the trail has strong forest cover and, therefore, shade.  The last quarter of the trail is mostly in the sun.  Near the curve in the last switch-back, I headed almost due north, taking a path of maximum snow coverage and least resistance to the upper most high point in what 'peakbagger' calls Peak 7450 on the north ridge (it is just east of a higher point (7,550 ft). Without the snow, the abundance of talus and loose screen would decrease the easy of such an additional side trip. Figures 1, 2, and 3 are from this high point.

The list of existing and emerging flowers include: aster, buttercup, three-leaf foam flower, penstemon, Sitka valerian, red columbine, lupine, buttercup, anenome, glacial lily, spring beauty, false salmon seal, twisted stem, white and red heathers, and phlox (see Figure 4; a composite made of the flowers seen on August 1, 2008). 

I highly recommend this hike.

Consistent snow after about 6,000 ft; poles are a must. The switchbacks shortly after the campsites are the only sketchy part due to the steep terrain. There were a few very brief stretches in which I might have been more comfortable if I had an ice axe because the slope down the mountain was making me nervous, but it's nothing harrowing. I mostly opted to go straight up and down here. At one point I pulled out my crampons, but promptly took them off because there's enough exposed trail higher up that it wasn't worth it. I did post-hole several times on the way down, but never more than a couple inches past the knee. Lots of little creeks starting to appear under the snow that you'll need to watch out for though.

I would not recommend attempting this for about two more weeks without either offline maps downloaded or experience navigating on snow, as it would be difficult for inexperienced early season hikers to find the trail as you re-enter the dense forest on the way down. I counted 7 other people on the trail on a gorgeous Friday, so pick a nice day and you shouldn't be entirely alone out there.

Lastly, I had to get my feet wet crossing Porcupine Creek, as the last report describes, so be prepared for that. Happy trails!

Hiked 3.5 miles towards Cutthroat Pass. Chose not to do the final mile to reach the pass with snow.

Porcupine Creek at 1.7 miles - able to cross with poles/good hiking boots - with some thinking through next foot placement. Water definitely higher on return. 

Increasing patches of snow at 2.8 miles / 5800 feet. Consistent snow travel at 3.2 mile / 6000 feet. 

We turned back at 3.5 miles. There is a boot track beyond that following the trail. 

Highway 20 Opens Friday, April 19 at 10:00 am

Enjoy!

Wanted to get out before the snow flies and the pass closes. Larches and fall foliage is about over, but still one of my favorite hikes in the area. Just so beautiful, even though it was an overcast day. Trail in great shape not too wet or muddy. Go now!