The hundreds of cars both directions on HWY 20 was intimidating but 95% were for Maple Pass. We arrived at the lot at 11am hoping to miss the morning rush. Cutthroat was busy headed down but we only had only other hiker going up when we did. Shared the summit with two other groups, perfect timing. Reached trail end at 5:20 and got to enjoy the larches. Great alternative to maple and just as stunning!

Easygoing hike to killer views!

We got a later start around 10am. There were already cars parked on the road outside, but we found that there was some space near the trailhead to park. I’d recommend checking as people are moving in/out this trail quite often.

The trail itself is so relaxed. The grade is distributed across a few miles so it’s a gradual climb without any particularly steep parts that stood out to me. Trail itself too is easy - no mini-scrambles or rocks in general, minimal roots, etc!

Being in the larch-y forest was totally worth the mid-Oct (past the peak) trip in my opinion. No snow on trail for us. Views are incredible.

We hiked with a dog. Multiple water sources (beautiful water sources) before mile 3 (maybe 2.5?) then none.

It took us under 4 hrs, not counting our snack-and-admire-the-views break at the top. We went a little further than the PCT/Cutthroat Lake junction, so logged 11.2 miles.

I was setting my expectations prior to this hike for many variables (lots of previous trip reports, accessible off the Highway + folks parked on the side of the road, larches, Saturday morning) and was, as always, pleasantly surprised at how much alone time we got on trail. :)

Went on Thursday hoping it wouldnt be very busy and we could still catch the larches. The larches are slightly past peak looking a bit more burnt orange but still nice to see. While we went for the larches this hike would be nice any time of the years, the views are great. Its more a steady climb than the typical Washington hike which is a nice break. No snow but tiny section in the shade was a bit icy.

Parking lot was full by 10am. Lots of people and lots of dogs. A lot of people don't leash their dogs so be prepared for that.

Cutthroat Pass had been on my list for a while as a good larch march - I've tried Lakes Ingalls and Valhalla, also Maple Pass and those were a little too busy for what I liked. Left North Everett around 10:45 in a steady downpour Wednesday morning and reached the PCT/Cutthroat Pass Trailhead in 2.5 hours with a short stop at Diablo Overlook to survey the fire damage - my last trip through here was the last week of July heading back from Bridge Creek just days after the Sourdough Fire started. Making the left turn from Highway 20, I was a little surprised not to see any cars parked on the shoulder at Maple Pass - usually there's quite an overflow from that parking lot. Maybe the rain near the city kept everyone away. Good reminder to check the weather at your destination, not at your starting location. 

I took one of the 2 remaining marked spots in the Cutthroat Pass parking lot, and counted 8 people ahead of me on the day's trailhead register. High-40s and overcast to start, but my intent was to run, so I had on running pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, hat, and a running pack with a light rain jacket and wind pants inside just in case. 

The trail rises gently the whole way to the pass, just under 2000 feet in just over 5 miles, and was in good condition if not a little soggy. No rain, but recent snow melting from the branches above made you second-guess the weather conditions. Larches (and wet snow) started around 6000 feet, both of which slow the pace by their beauty and lack of traction, respectively. 

Made it to the pass in about 1:20 and decided to continue to the lake, which can be seen from the pass, 2000 feet below you. It was raining slightly around the lake, so I turned around about 2:10 into the journey and headed back up toward the pass. There is a failing bridge along the trails around the lake which I missed on the way down and had to maneuver around on the way back up. 

Back at the pass an hour later, a wintry mix was moving in, and the slushy snow and mud puddles sent me for my one fall of the day - a side-step that intended to take me around a mud puddle which instead sent me laying right in it - go figure. 

The remaining hour was trying to keep the feet moving and the hands warm with snow turning to rain down low. Saw one hiker coming up but no other cars at the trailhead. About 20 people total and 3 nice dogs. 

Garmin stats: 18.26 miles, 3926 gain, 4:05 elapsed time. 

Drive here was beautiful! Fall colors around every turn. Easy trailhead to get to.

This hike is rated as hard but I would say everyone is capable of this hike. Elevation gain is only 2,000ft over the span of the 5-6mi.

Larches were out and looking good even with rainy, snowy, cloudy skies. It was snowing pretty hard at the top today with low visibility so make sure to bring winter layers!