Cutthroat Pass Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Cutthroat Pass
There is more than one way to reach Cutthroat Pass. By hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) north from Highway 20, you can enjoy a wide, moderately graded, and well-maintained path the entire way. Because it was originally graded for pack animals, the PCT never gets too steep. The miles breeze by with little effort, and before you know it you’ll be at Cutthroat Pass.
Begin hiking north through dense forest. Creek crossings keep it interesting along the way, though they are generally easy to pass. The first views open up at 1.6 km - a small glimpse of what’s to come. At 2.9 km cross Porcupine Creek, then begin to climb more steadily. Trees thin over the next 1.6 km or so, and the trail pops out into alpine scenery around the 4.8 km mark.
In another 1.6 km the switchbacks begin, eventually delivering you to Cutthroat Pass. Views throughout this section are wide open towards Porcupine Peak, and larches line the trail. At 16.1 km, reach Cutthroat Pass and a junction. The PCT continues north from here to Canada, while the trail to the right drops to Cutthroat Lake - visibly sparkling below.
Find a lunch spot among the granite here, and see how many mountains you can name. Consider a short side trip to the knoll south of the pass. From here, 360-degree North Cascade mountain views await. Hinkhouse Peak, Silver Star Mountain, and of course Cutthroat Peak dominate the skyline.
Want to find other amazing hikes in North Cascades National Park? Check out the Diablo Lake trail, Maple Pass Loop or the Cascade Pass trail.
Insider Hints for Cutthroat Pass
- Hike to Cutthroat Pass during fall to see the golden larches.
- Consider extending your hike one mile north on the PCT to Granite Pass for additional wonderful views.
Getting to the Cutthroat Pass Trailhead
From Newhalem, drive east on the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) for 59.5 km to Rainy Pass. Turn left into the signed trailhead parking area on the north side of the road. Northwest Forest Pass required.Route Information for Cutthroat Pass
When to do:
July - October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
Yes, at trailhead
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Cutthroat Pass Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Cutthroat Pass
Mountains dotted with yellow larches come into view, and you quickly get up close and personal to these deciduous conifers on the way to the pass. Gorgeous!
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- 05:45
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was popular. I just found out when I did it. They all busy taking pictures. ◔_◔
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Awesome hike!! This was one of the most beautiful trails that I have ever done
- Trip Length
- 05:45
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The road up to Hart's Pass is rough but well worth the effort. Camping at the pass is great.
- Trip Length
- 06:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Worth every effort! Nice views at the top. Interesting trails with some creek crossings.
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It was one hell of a climb, but It's absolutely awesome! One of the most scenic hikes in the park.
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Phenomenal scenery! The flora and fauna in this hike were incredible.
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Amazing hike to do! The alpine scenery was magnificent.
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Reaching Granite pass is worth adding to this hike as it's not too far away and offers different views
- Trip Length
- 05:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
A bit crowded for the level of effort. Usually the harder the hike, the fewer the people. But Cutthroat pass was quite a popular destination the day I went.
- Trip Length
- 06:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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