Heather - Maple Pass Loop
2 days ago
Vibrant crimson and scarlet undergrowth
14 this month · 121 reports
Cutthroat Pass via Cutthroat Lake
North Cascades
updated 5 days ago
The trail to Cutthroat Pass via Cutthroat Lake is in good condition, with no significant snow reported as of September 20th, 2026. The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles, and parking can be found in the main lot and overflow areas, though it fills up quickly on weekends by mid-morning. Hikers have noted that larches are just beginning to show fall color, with peak colors expected in about two weeks. There are water sources at Cutthroat Lake and in creeks about 2.5 miles in, but no reliable water beyond that point. Some minor obstacles like a washout on the PCT were noted in early September, but were reported as passable. Mountain bikes and horses have been seen on the trail.
Generated from 14 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Cutthroat Pass via Cutthroat Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 5 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
Based on reports from September 20th, 2026, peak larch colors are expected in approximately two more weeks. This indicates that the week of October 4th, 2026, should offer the best viewing conditions for fall foliage.
The last report on the washout on the PCT was from September 7th, 2026. At that time, it was described as manageable and packed down by hikers, though still a section to be cautious on.
Water is available at Cutthroat Lake and in creeks located about 2.5 miles in after the turnoff to Cutthroat Lake, as of September 16th, 2026. Beyond these points, reliable water sources are scarce until further along the trail.
On Sunday, September 20th, 2026, the Cutthroat Lake trailhead parking lot was full by 7:00 am, with overflow parking also occupied. Arriving very early is recommended if you plan to hike on a weekend.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh5 days ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Arrived at the Cutthroat Lake trailhead around 6:45am on Sunday. There were a few vehicles in the parking lot, and plenty of room for more. Restrooms were stocked and open. Started hiking around 7am. ...
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
I got to the trailhead parking lot around 12:30 pm to backpack to the pass and there were some parking spots in the main lot, as well as overflow. The trail is well maintained. There were mountain bik...
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Went for an overnight to Upper Snowy Lake via Cutthroat Lake Trailhead and PCT. Cutthroat Lake trail was in excellent condition all the way up to the pass. The road to the trailhead very recently repa...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Hiked on July 4. Still one or two small snow patches right before the pass. There’s also still snow at the pass itself but it’s easy to walk over to reach dry ground to sit for a while. There are some...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Great jaunt up to the pass! Basically snow free, some patchy areas of snow in the last mile up to the pass but nothing sketchy, just watch a few snow bridges. No traction required. Lots of water for p...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
just a note to say that I went by the turnoff for Cutthroat Pass on the way to Cutthroat Lake, and it was solid snow up the Cutthroat Pass Trail from the intersection.
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
March 21. A WSDoT Facebook Posting stated the following: "Let’s check in on our hibernating friend, SR 20 North Cascades Highway (see WSDoT Photos).Spring clearing on our iconic pass begins Monday, M...
Older17 months ago
North Cascades
Update April 5: May be in three or so weeks (from Scott Cronk,Admin).Third week of clearing reached the LB pathwaysBy the end of the third week of eastside clearing, the D-8 was working on LB3 in the ...
Older23 months ago
North Cascades
We didn’t hike today but conditions are downright winters out there. I noticed that the DOT wasn’t keeping up with road conditions so I thought people might want to know what to expect.Washington Pass...
North Cascades
Saturday, Oct 12.PSA…Just drove HWY 20 westbound from Mazama — heading towards I-5.At 745a, Rainy Pass had what must’ve been 300-400 cars parked along the side of the highway.Blue Lake, perhaps 50-100...