Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Cutthroat Creek Trail #483
The trail crosses a bridge over Cutthroat Creek and begins a gentle uphill climb to a trail junction at 1.7 miles. The left trail leads to Cutthroat Lake in 0.25 mile. From the junction the trail gains 1900 feet in the next 3.8 miles to the pass where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail. Mountain goats are often seen near the pass. See beautiful alpine lake views and for those who wish great mountain views will enjoy looking out at the towering rugged peaks from the pass. There are beautiful wildflowers in July and August followed by the spectacular fall gold colors of alpine larches and red colors of huckleberry bushes. Water maybe scarce beyond the lake trail junction later in the summer. Be sure to fill water bottles before going onto the pass.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Current trail conditions. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | A recreation pass is required to park at trailhead. A $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead. |
| Open Season: | July |
| Best Season: | July-September |
| Busiest Season: | July-August |
| Restrictions: | No motorized vehicles. No bicycles allowed on Pacific Crest Trail. E-Bikes (with full electric motor power or pedal assist) are not allowed on Cutthroat Creek trail. No caching allowed. Certified weed free hay is required on National forestlands (processed grains are okay). No overnight camping allowed within 1/4 mile of the lake. No horses allowed at the lake. |
| Closest Towns: | Winthrop, WA |
| Water: | No potable water |
| Restroom: | No, at Trailhead only |
| Passes: | A recreation pass is required for parking at trailhead. (A $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at the trailhead). |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Methow Valley Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Winthrop drive State Route 20 west about 28 miles (or 1.5 miles west of Lone Fir Campground). Turn right on Forest Service Road 400 and follow for 1 mile to the Cutthroat Trailhead.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:No motorized, bikes or any mechanized vehicles allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail 2000.
E-Bikes (with full electric motor power or pedal assist) are not allowed on Cutthroat Creek trail.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:Lake fishing for Cutthroat trout at Cutthroat Lake. Washington State fishing license is required and all state game laws apply.
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Water may be scarce beyond the lake trail junction when hiking later in the summer. Be sure to fill water bottles before going on to the pass.
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:Horse Riding
Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:No horses allowed at the lake. No camping within 1/4 mile lake.
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:Mountain goats are often seen near the pass.
Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:
Wildflowers are beautiful in July and August and the fall colors created by golden alpine larch and red huckleberries bushes are spectacular.
Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:Beautiful alpine lake views and for those who wish for great views of rugged mountain peaks climb to Cutthroat Pass.
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | interpretive information |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | day use picnic tables |
| Fee charged for some activities: | self-pay stations available to purchase recreation pass |
| Parking: | |
| Toilets: | at trailhead only |
Location
