Intro to Trail Running: Backcountry Field Trip - Rainy Pass to Snowy Lakes

This trip is part of the optional weekend of events in the North Cascades for the Introduction to Trail Running: Backcountry course.  Leader will rendezvous with runners at the Lower Goodell Group Campground on Saturday morning before driving to the Rainy Pass Pacific Crest Trail trailhead.

Course students have first priority but other club members are welcome if space allows.

This trip is paired with the Cutthroat Lake & Pass trail run on Saturday, Sept. 7. We will do a key swap.

Our route is same as the race course for the Cutthroat Classic: we will start at Rainy Pass on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, elevation 4,870 feet. Then we will follow the Pacific Crest Trail north on a steady, gradual 5-mile climb to Cutthroat Pass, elevation 6,835 feet. Next we will descend 4 miles to Cutthroat Lake (many switchbacks on a 5-10% grade). We will proceed downhill for 2 more miles to the Cutthroat Creek Trailhead, elevation 4,480 feet.

Total distance is about 11 miles with 2300 feet of elevation gain.

Northwest Forest Pass or national parks pass required for parking at the trailhead.