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A 12 mile out-n-back up to Cutthroat Pass - spectacular views are worth the 2,500ft elevation climb.


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Map Key

11.7

Miles

18.9

KM

100%

Singletrack

6,836' 2,084 m

High

4,472' 1,363 m

Low

2,472' 753 m

Up

2,472' 754 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This trail is a favorite on the bike. The first 1.7 miles climbs a mellow 400 ft as it follows Cutthroat Creek to Cutthroat Lake. (Take a peek at Cutthroat Lake by taking the 0.2 mile spur trail.) From the lake, the trail climbs another 1900 ft in 3.8 miles to Cutthroat Pass (6800 ft). Prepare for gorgeous mountain views!

The trail is really nice for biking: the grade is never too steep and the singletrack is basically smooth and firm, with variable sections of sandy, or loose rocky Eastern Washington tread.

Need to Know

Northwest Forest Pass required for parking at trailhead.

***PLEASE PLEASE be "super-sensitive" on this trail! I want this to stay open to bikers! Please keep your speed down and be courteous to hikers (lots of 'em here) so they don't write complaint letters to the USFS. Please stay off the illegal parts (no Pacific Crest trail riding).

Description

This trail is an out and back that runs up to Cutthroat Pass. The whole trail is at a comfortable grade and runs through a nice shady forest until you reach the sub-alpine a few kilometers from the pass. Though the majority of the trail is easily rideable, there are some rocky, technical sections that will challenge even expert riders.

The switchbacks are especially technical, though not dangerous and are a great challenge for riders of all levels. The first (which is also the last) section is the most flowy and fun, and you can really rip it through the forest. However, the best section without a doubt is the last climb into the alpine where the view of the whole drainage really opens up as you climb up to the pass. From Cutthroat Pass you can see back where you came from down near Cutthroat lake and over the other side of the pass; the views are stunning.

Directions: From Winthrop drive State Route 20 west about 26 miles (or 1.5 miles west of Lone Fir Campground). Turn right on Forest Service Road 400 and follow for 1 mile to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tony Locati

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 15 votes

#674

Overall
  4.9 from 15 votes
5 Star
93%
4 Star
7%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#11

in Washington

#674

Overall
21 Views Last Month
11,057 Since Apr 13, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
56%
11%
33%
0%

Photos

Grinding up to scenic Cutthroat Pass in the North Cascades.
Oct 12, 2017 near Stehekin, WA
Nearing the pass, October 2014
Oct 12, 2014 near Stehekin, WA
Ruth riding up Cutthroat. Photo: ©Donni Reddington
Sep 16, 2015 near Stehekin, WA
Top of Cutthroat Pass. Spectacular views. Snow fields nearly all gone. Worth every foot of the climb.  7/14/16
Jul 18, 2016 near Stehekin, WA
Cutthroat Pass Switchbacks
Apr 13, 2014 near Stehekin, WA
Cutthroat Pass
Apr 13, 2014 near Stehekin, WA

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