Trip Report
Day Hike: Cutthroat Pass
This was an out and back hike from the Cutthroat Pass Trailhead to Cutthroat Pass. This section of trail is part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
Donna Rooke
- Wed, Oct 8, 2025
- Cutthroat Lake & Pass
- Day Hiking
- Successful
-
- Road suitable for all vehicles
-
This route, part of the PCT, is very well maintained. No downed trees or rock fields.
Water source along trail At this time of year, there were a few water sources along the trail.
If you are able to arrange a key exchange, or deposit a car at one of the trailheads, you could do this as a point to point route between the Cutthroat Pass trailhead and Cutthroat Lake trailhead.
This trail, across Highway 20 from the Maple Pass Loop trail, is often less crowded than the Maple Pass Loop.
The distance is approximately 11 miles round trip and elevation gain is about 2200ft.
There were fabulous sights in every direction! The larches were golden, the huckleberry plants red to burgundy and the skies were blue with fluffy white clouds. The backdrop had craggy mountains. On this beautiful fall day, lots of hikers and lucky dogs were enjoying this trail.
We arrived at the parking lot between 8:30 and 9:00am and while the actual parking lot was full, there was plenty of space along the road leading to the parking loop. There is a privy in the parking area.
There are multiple campsites off the trail.
