Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail

North Cascades

updated 3 days ago

The Cutthroat Pass trail via the PCT is currently in excellent condition, with no snow reported as of September 22. Hikers are experiencing beautiful fall colors, with larches beginning to turn and vibrant huckleberry bushes in shades of orange, red, and purple between 6,000 and 7,000 feet as of September 22. The trail is described as a gradual climb with spectacular views from the pass. The road is suitable for all vehicles, and bugs are not a significant issue. Crowds are notably lighter compared to the nearby Maple Pass trail, with parking lot availability being good, even on a weekend as reported on September 22. Water is available on the trail as of August 18.

Generated from 51 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

As of July 21, there were multiple water crossings that were easily manageable without poles. Reports from July 10 and July 9 also indicate creek crossings that are doable by stepping on rocks or logs, or with the aid of poles.

More in North Cascades

Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.

View on WTA

Sources

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

I feel like this hike falls off the radar, and I'm not sure why. (Maybe I shouldn't say anything ha ha.) This hiking is so stunning, especially this time of year. Even though it climbs 2000 feet, you ...

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

The colors are out!  The larches are starting to turn, but the real spectacle are the bright orange, red, and purple huckleberry bushes that are radiant between 6,000 and 7,000 feet.  The PCT is in gr...

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Ran the Cutthroat Classic which starts on the PCT section up to Coatthroat Pass and then down to Cutthroat Lake. The trail was in fantastic shape. Saw a larch here and there with a few inches of gold ...

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Just an update that water is still running well enough on the trail if you’re bringing your fur babies with you on this one!

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

I hiked from Rainy pass to Cutthroat Pass today and conditions were great.  The trail is in really good condition and there are multiple water crossings, but I had no trouble in any of them and I had ...

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

I finally took my kids out to one of my favorite places. It’s where I first fell in love with the PCT and I’ve been inching to go back but I’ve hiked other parts instead. Anyways…Arrived at 9:30 to a ...

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

This is one of our favorite hikes in the area, as it gets far less use than the Maple Pass trail across the highway, the trail is typically in great shape, and the 360-degree views up top are nothing ...

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

There are probably about 10 creek crossing or spots where there is water over the trail. In the latter case, it's very shallow but if you don't have thick soles or waterproof footwear, your feet could...

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Probably my favorite hike of the year with the some breathtaking views.The trail is very well-maintained and was just gentle slope the entire way up. There were a few creek crossings on the way up, bu...

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Hiked to Snowy Lakes via the PCT from 7/3-7/4. Hardly any hikers on 7/3, but when returning on 7/4 there was dozens of hikers on the way up to Cutthroat Pass. While the north Rainy Pass lot was only h...