Cutthroat Pass and Snowy Lakes

This was our first visit to an area that we've returned to multiple times.  There was a major fire probably 20-30 miles to the northeast, but the winds treated us right and we only got smoke on the final day.  Incredibly inspiring!

Random Scenes

  • Sitting at Cutthroat Pass soaking up the huge views, trying to keep our jaws off the ground, when up walks a northbound PCT thru-hiker.  I said something like "Wow, just incredible!!", and all he could say was "The trail keeps going up!".  Admittedly, he was within a couple of days of completing his trip, so he was probably pretty motivated and/or burned out.   One of my first real insights into the thinking of thru-hikers.  They've seen so much, it becomes ho-hum, and they are focused on putting on miles.

"Oh Wow!" Moments

  • Two awesome sunsets!
  • Views when arriving at Cutthroat Pass!
  • Hiking along high ridges, popping into one drainage after another, all with big views!  
 

Big peak views from the trail

Partial view East from Cutthroat Pass

Nearby wildfire

Cutthroat Pass Sunset

Cutthroat Pass area (tiny orange dot lower right is our tent)

Ridge walking towards Golden Horn

Snowy Lake Sunset

Lousewort

Snowy Lakes Basin

Western Pasqueflower seedhead

Mountain Hemlock and Mount Hardy

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