Cutthroat Pass – Golden Larches!

This Sunday we will hike out-and-and back to Cutthroat Pass along the Pacific Crest Trail, up in the North Cascades. This 10-mile hike is rated Hard for length, with ~2000 feet of elevation gain along a steady grade. It's "larch madness" season so we'll see golden trees, along with alpine creeks, nearby Black and Fisher peaks, and fall wildflowers. We'll stop for lunch at the Pass, a ridgeline with gorgeous views of the surrounding foliage, peaks, and Cutthroat Lake.

We'll be making friends, staying fit, being polite and having fun!

We will first meet at Wilburton Park and Ride. Carpooling from there is encouraged but you are also welcome to meet us at [Cutthroat Pass Trailhead](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3PTzkermGrVu2Tc38) (48.518, -120.734).

Hike Info
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 10 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2000 feet
Highest Elevation: ~6800 feet
Location: North Cascades

The current AQI forecast for this area is green, but if the forecast changes this hike may be moved or cancelled.

Parking/Entrance Permit
[America the Beautiful or Northwest Forest Pass](https://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes)

Attendance
We try to keep our group size to around a dozen as a courtesy to other hikers on the trail, and to reduce crowds and cars in the parking lot. The Going list may have a larger number to accommodate no-shows.

Folks on the Wait list may not attend until they are moved to the Going list. If folks drop from the Going list, the host will add more people from the Wait list.

Carpooling
We will limit total attendees while drivers are selected from the Wait list. Drivers will be placed first as Going, and then we will fill with passengers as space allows, so everyone who comes to the P&R has a ride to the trail.

Riders MUST reimburse drivers for gas. Reimburse a minimum of $50 if one passenger, $25 for two passengers, and $20 for three passengers. Cash, Venmo, or Zelle.

What to Bring
Athletic clothing & rain gear
Hiking shoes/boots
Water, snacks & lunch
Sun protection
Bug spray
[Ten hiking essentials](https://www.wta.org/go-outside/trail-smarts/ten-essentials)

Schedule
7am: Meet at Wilburton P&R (OK to bring morning coffee and breakfast)
7:10am: Leave P&R
-> Stop at [Moe's Coffee in Darrington](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YXUeAELamKupU7oj6) for coffee, food, restroom, etc. (optional)
~10:30am: Arrive at [trailhead](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3PTzkermGrVu2Tc38)
~6-7 hours of hiking with stops for food, photos
~5pm: Back at trailhead
-> Stop for food on the way back (optional)
~8pm: Arrive back at Wilburton P&R (later if stopping)

Links
[AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/cutthroat-pass-via-the-pct)
[WTA](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cutthroat-pass-via-pacific-crest-trail)
[Washington Smoke Blog](https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/)

Attendees: Be sure to update your status if things change so others can attend.

Disclaimer: When you RSVP and attend this hike, you are accepting that you are fully aware that you are responsible for your own safety. You agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the hike host from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from any injury or damage. Always be aware of your own physical abilities and go on this hike prepared.