Cutthroat Pass

Ah! One final fling in the mountains before the winter snows shut them down. As the hiking season wore on, it seemed that additional mountain adventures this year were simply not meant to be. Plans were cancelled left and right. Canadian Rockies: border closed. California's Sierra Nevada: massive wildfires. Mt Rainier's Wonderland Trail: uncooperative knees, then cold blustery weather. Cutthroat Pass: illness, then bad smoke (turned around after driving most of the way there!). But it all finally came together for Tom (Karen was out of town and missed out). Good health, perfect weather, and the larch trees at their peak! Magical!

Cutthroat Pass, which lies in the North Cascades, has become a favorite of ours over the last few years. The Pacific Crest Trail provides a well-maintained and easy-on-the-knees approach that, in the fall, switchbacks up through an eye-popping zone of golden larches and red-leaved berry bushes! The views grow with every step, culminating to some jaw-dropping scenery from the pass. But it doesn't stop there. The PCT weaves along above tree line for another few miles, providing more big views around numerous bends!

The hike was busier than expected for a weekday, but not really surprising due to the Covid-induced hiking surge this year. The real trick, however, was bringing the overnight gear ... most folks aren't into the long nights and colder weather associated with fall. After setting up camp at a site with an appropriately commanding view, Tom wandered the several miles out the PCT, relaxing and soaking it all in. An early dinner allowed for a nice photography session in the evening light, and then contemplating the universe during sunset and the alpenglow. After a breezy, moonlit night, Tom got up pre-dawn and wandered around for sunrise and the warm, early-morning light. The hike back to the trailhead was uneventful, except for the continuous interruptions by the new day's waves of uphill hikers.

Quite a trip! Food for the soul to last through the winter!