Cutthroat Pass Trail: Larches, Camping & Hiking Guide
When I hiked Cutthroat Pass Trail in early October, the larches were right at their peak. Cutthroat Pass is one of the most popular larch hikes in Washington and one of the best fall hikes near Vancouver. The trail is not difficult despite the reported elevation gain, climbing through the forest to wide meadows surrounded by golden larches.
The reward to effort ratio is definitely high for Cutthroat Pass trail. In this guide, I’ll cover where the trailhead is, how hard the hike really is, parking, camping, water and the best time to go. I’m also including a comparison of Cutthroat Pass and Maple Pass, to help you choose the best fall hike.
Snapshot: Cutthroat Pass Trail
Where is Cutthroat Pass Trail
Cutthroat Pass Trail is located in North Cascades in Washington State along Highway 20 on the east side of the mountain range. The trail is not officially part of North Cascades National Park. Instead it sits in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and follows a stretch of the famous Pacific Crest Trail.
Getting to the Cutthroat Pass Trailhead
We did a day hike from Vancouver to North Cascades, waking up very early and arriving back home very late. But it was so worth it! If you’re driving down from Vancouver, here’s what to do in the city in October or September.
From Vancouver we drove south to Bellingham and took Cook Rd just before Burlington. We then followed the main road until we reached the trailhead. It took us about 4 hours to drive from Vancouver to Cutthroat Pass Trailhead. It takes about the same time if driving from Seattle.
Highway 20 closes seasonally and is the only highway through North Cascades National Park. Make sure you check the road conditions before you leave, especially if you’re visiting North Cascades in fall or spring.
Parking at Cutthroat Pass Trailhead
Cutthroat Pass Trailhead is located across the street of Maple Pass Loop trail. The trailhead has a paved parking lot and restrooms. Parking costs $5 per day and you’ll need to display your Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
If you’re visiting Cutthroat Pass in fall during larch season, arrive as early as you can. The lot fills early on weekends and even the overflow parking along the highway fills up fast. We hiked Cutthroat Pass trail in October and finding a parking spot was really a challenge. I guess, there is a reason why they call it larch madness after all.
How Hard is the Hike
Cutthroat Pass is an easy to moderate hike. Compared to other larch hikes like Maple Pass or Frosty Mountain, it felt much more manageable. The trail gains about 600 m (2,000 ft) over roughly 16 km (10 miles), but the climb is gradual and well graded, so it feels easier than the numbers suggest.
There are no sustained steep sections, which means you can keep a comfortable pace and enjoy the views. If you’re deciding between Cutthroat Pass and Maple Pass, the main difference is distance versus steepness. Cutthroat is longer but gentler, while Maple Pass is a shorter, steeper loop with more stunning ridge views.
Best Time to Hike Cutthroat Pass Trail
The most popular time to hike Cutthroat Pass Trail is in fall, from late September to early October, when the larches turn gold and cover the mountain slopes in color. Peak timing shifts from year to year, so it’s best to check recent trip reports before you go. I visited in the first week of October and the larches were at their peak.
Keep in mind that early snow can arrive by October and close Highway 20, sometimes with little warning. Check the weather forecast and WSDOT’s pass conditions before you leave.
If you’d rather see wildflowers, visit from late July through August, when the trail is typically snow-free and the meadows are in bloom. This is also a great time for hiking to Floe Lake or doing the Rockwall Trail in the Canadian Rockies.
Can You Camp on Cutthroat Pass Trail
You can camp along Cutthroat Pass Trail and in the national forest portion you generally don’t need a reservation or permit. The trail is shared with Pacific Crest Trail backpackers, so don’t expect to have it to yourself.
Dispersed camping is allowed on national forest land away from the trailhead and at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Alpine meadows here are fragile, so camp only on durable surfaces. Most of the time, you’ll spot existing sites where other backpackers have pitched their tents. The most popular areas are near Porcupine Creek and Cutthroat Pass.
Follow Leave No Trace principles and carry a bear canister, since there are no established bear caches in the backcountry.
Do You Need a Camping Permit for Cutthroat Pass
Cutthroat Pass Trail is in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest rather than North Cascades National Park, so you don’t need a camping permit for overnight trips on the national forest portion.
That makes last-minute planning easier than at many other North Cascades destinations. Day hikers still need a parking pass at the trailhead.
Water Sources on Cutthroat Pass Trail
There are a few creeks near the trailhead, but when we hiked Cutthroat Pass in early October the upper creeks were completely dry. Flow drops through late summer and fall, so don’t count on refilling higher up. If you’re camping near the pass, carry enough water for the entire trip. It adds weight, but it’s better than going without.
For a day hike, bring at least 1 liter per person. A water filter or purification tablets make a good backup if you find flowing water and you should treat any water from natural sources before drinking.
Cutthroat Pass Day Hike or Backpacking Trip
Cutthroat Pass is an easy to moderate hike with a gentle grade, so most people plan it as a day hike. We started around 11 am and finished around 3:30 pm, which is about 4.5 hours including stops. We had planned an earlier start, but the border crossing from Canada took much longer than expected. In larch season, I’d recommend arriving earlier, since the parking lot fills up.
At the pass, you’re surrounded by mountain peaks and larch-dotted slopes. If you want a longer trip, continue north on the PCT toward Granite Pass and Methow Pass, but that stretch works best as an overnight trip.
A day hike to Cutthroat Pass is perfectly doable, but camping near the pass lets you see the larches at sunrise and sunset, when the light is at its best. On a sunny weekend, I’d choose a backpacking trip over a day hike, since you can avoid the midday crowds and have the evening light mostly to yourself.
Cutthroat Pass Hiking Trail: Section Breakdown
Trailhead to Mile 3
From the trailhead, follow the forested path as it climbs steadily. You’ll cross a few creeks and pass small waterfalls, which are good spots to top off your water bottle early in the season. Later in the year flow drops quickly, so don’t count on them.
As you gain elevation, look to your left for views of Black Peak and down toward Highway 20. The trail then switches back through trees that gradually thin out and this is where you’ll catch your first glimpses of larches.
Mile 3 to Cutthroat Pass
Beyond the switchbacks, the trail opens into wide meadows and larch groves. You’ll want your camera out at nearly every turn. The route then follows the Pacific Crest Trail up to Cutthroat Pass, with open views of the surrounding peaks and the valley below.
At the pass, you’re much more exposed to wind and it can feel noticeably colder than the trail below, even on a sunny day. Put on a layer before you stop. There are plenty of good lunch spots with a view, so you won’t have trouble finding one.
Cutthroat Pass or Maple Pass
Cutthroat Pass and Maple Pass are two of the most popular larch hikes along Highway 20. Maple Pass starts at the Rainy Pass trailhead, while Cutthroat Pass has its own trailhead on the east across the street. In October, both draw big crowds hoping to see golden larches.
Cutthroat Pass is an out-and-back hike of about 10 miles with a gentle, steady grade. Maple Pass is a shorter loop of about 7 miles that gains a similar amount of elevation, so it feels steeper.
If it’s your first time in the North Cascades, Maple Pass is a great pick for its dramatic ridgeline, lake views and colorful meadows. If you’d rather have a longer, easier day with larches at every corner, Cutthroat Pass is the better choice.
If I could only do one hike in larch season, I’d choose backpacking to Lewis Lake and Wing Lake along Maple Pass trail. On a single trip, you get to see larches, colorful meadows and sleep next to alpine lakes. But I’d recommend Cutthroat Pass to anyone visiting the North Cascades for the first time.
