NEW LOCATION: Cutthroat Pass via Pacific Crest Trail, North Cascades

To avoid the steeper sections of snow-covered trail that we might encounter on Easy Pass, on Oct. 14 we'll hike at Cutthroat Pass via the PCT instead of Easy Pass. Cutthroat is also a classic larch hike, and the golden trees may still be at their most colorful on Tuesday, when the weather forecast is looking good, if chilly.

NOAA Forecast: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=48.5180666667&textField2=-120.733133333

Although this trail gets a fair amount of use, it's less overrun than Heather/Maple Pass and Blue Lake. Some of us hiked this trail on August 27, 2022, and we had a glorious day. Fingers crossed this will be a repeat experience!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please use the driving directions on the WTA website to get to the Cutthroat Pass Trailhead. I am not 100% confident in the location of the pin below.

Note: Covid and other fall/winter bugs are around, so if you don't feel well please rest at home.

-Distance: 10.0 miles.
-Elevation Gain: 2000 feet.
-Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass (also National Parks Pass for Seniors).
-WTA link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cutthroat-pass-via-pacific-crest-trail#trip-report-listing-header
-Trailhead privy: Yes.
- Meet at the PCT parking lot (roughly across the highway from Maple Pass) at 8:45 AM, ready to hike by 9:00 AM.