Day Hike - Cutthroat Pass

This is a life-list trip to one of the best larch viewing areas that you can get to without heavy smoke right now, and this hike will be at the peak of the golden-larch show!   But it will be chilly, with the potential for snow flurries at the pass (right now forecasted for later in the day, but low to mid 40s at the pass) so everyone will need to be prepared for very cold and even potentially wet conditions.  Bring microspikes, warm non-cotton layers, good rain jacket and rainpants, and footwear with good support and traction - recommend waterproof in case we encounter slush.  There are a few water sources along the way but you'll want to carry enough for the day just in case.  I expect everyone to carry all the 10 essentials.  A map of the route can be found at this link:  https://www.gaiagps.com/public/zxvyEoOf4CQk2iLXxw2dxeKV/

Please send the leader a request for leader permission including recent hikes or backpacks you've done with this distance and elevation gain at a 2.5 mph pace.  We'll need to keep moving to complete the hike in the short daylight hours.  There will be periodic short breaks and a half-hour lunch at the top.  I ask that everyone in the group stay within easy communication distance through the hike, which means that people who prefer to go faster will need to moderate their pace and those who enjoy long stops to make their stops shorter.

Email me at cascadehiker12@gmail.com with any questions!

The parking lot will fill early for this route, so I ask that we either gather at the Ash Way Park and Ride in Lynnwood by 6AM, or if people don't want to rise that early, spend the night in Arlington or nearby and meet the group at 8:45 at the trailhead.