What is the snow situation on the trail?

Continuous snow begins after the first mile. As of [November 2, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-11-02.183616755162), traction was not necessary but spikes were recommended if it got colder. On [November 1, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-11-01.185801336277), there were intermittent snow patches that were not hard to cross.

What is the condition of the road to the trailhead?

The road to the trailhead is described as rough but passable as of [November 1, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-11-01.185801336277). However, a more recent report from [November 2, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-11-02.183616755162) indicates the road is suitable for all vehicles. Earlier reports from October 18, 2026 also noted the road was passable, though one mentioned deep tire ruts.

Are there any significant water crossings?

Yes, there are some streams to cross on the trail, as noted on [November 1, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-11-01.185801336277). The trail also has areas where water pools, potentially making footwear wet, as reported on [October 18, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-19.175631267240).

Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail

North Cascades

updated 1 week ago

The trail to Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail is experiencing minor obstacles, including downed trees, with snow becoming more prevalent as you ascend. As of November 1, 2026, the trail had muddy spots and streams to cross, with one significant blowdown requiring a jump or descent to bypass. A report from November 2, 2026 detailed two downed trees, one requiring a tricky maneuver over or under. Continuous snow begins after the first mile, and while traction wasn't strictly necessary on that date, spikes are recommended if conditions worsen. The road to the trailhead is described as rough but passable as of November 1, 2026, with a report from November 2, 2026 stating it is suitable for all vehicles. Parking was noted as adequate with a few other cars present on November 2, 2026. The lakes themselves were beginning to ice over on November 2, 2026.

Generated from 20 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

The trail has downed trees that pose minor obstacles. One report from November 2, 2026 mentioned two downed trees, one requiring careful navigation over or under. Another report from November 1, 2026 noted one difficult blowdown that requires a jump or going off-trail.