Heather - Maple Pass Loop
2 days ago
Vibrant crimson and scarlet undergrowth
14 this month · 121 reports
Cutthroat Lake
North Cascades
updated 1 week ago
The road to the Cutthroat Lake trailhead is now newly paved and suitable for all vehicles, with reports from September 7 and September 5. A new wooden bridge has also been installed over the creek, making crossings easier. The trail itself is in good condition, snow-free, and free of significant blowdowns or overgrowth. Bugs were not a major issue in recent reports, with some noting they were not too bad or absent. Parking availability can vary, with lots being described as 3/4 full on September 5 and having a few spots left on September 7. The lake offers pretty views and is surrounded by campsites.
Generated from 32 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Cutthroat Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road to the Cutthroat Lake trailhead has been newly paved and is suitable for all vehicles as of September 7 and September 5. This is a recent improvement, as it was closed until at least September 4.
The trail is reported to be in good condition, snow-free, and clear of blowdowns or overgrowth as of September 16. A new wooden bridge has also been installed over the creek, improving the crossing.
Parking can vary, with the lot being described as 3/4 full around 11:20 AM on September 5 and having a few spots left in both lots on September 7. It was noted that there were still several parking spots available at 10:00 AM on July 4th.
Bugs have not been a significant issue recently. Reports from September 16, September 7, and September 5 indicate no bugs or that they were not too bad. However, one report from July 21st noted that bugs were an annoyance at the lake.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
For 3 days, I took a mini road trip with 5 buddies from Bellingham, where we all go to school, to Winthrop along the scenic Highway 20. Along the way, we went on two hikes: Cutthroat Lake and Blue Lak...
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
The newly paved road to the trailhead opened sometime this Labor Day weekend. It was still closed when I drove by on Friday 9/4 so I believe it opened on Saturday. It’s now nice and smooth and was tot...
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
I went today unsure whether the road would be open or not. Turns out, it was open, and the road from 20 is very freshly paved. Bathrooms were clean and smelled wonderful (odd compliment I'll admit). W...
Recent3 weeks ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Looks like road is closed potentially until October 13th.
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Easy trail, pleasant hiking, good peak views Left car at 8:15 AM. Only 15 other hikers on the trail total.
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
This was quite an easy walk to the lake. There is little shade, most of the trail is exposed. Once at the lake, bugs were annoying. It doesnt look like a swimmable lake but to each their own, it might...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Arrived at the trailhead around 10:00 am on the 4th of July and surprisingly there were still several parking spots available! The privy was clean, well-stocked with toilet paper, and even had hand sa...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
This is a great early season/late season hike that I highly recommend. Suitable for young kids given the minimal grade and short distance to the lake. The trail is currently in good condition with no ...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Totally clear, no snow to deal with, three streams:1- on trail, a little fast but you can stepping stone it2- after turnoff, log bridge in primo form3- second log bridge, slanty and a little sad, stre...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Very nice late spring hike! You get so much bang for little effort on this trail. Before the NC highway opens June 25 would be a great time to come up and hike. It's very quiet up here; businesses wil...