Cutthroat Lake — Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

I’ll address what everyone is wondering about…larches. It is still too early to see them turning yellow on this hike. Give it another couple weeks and you’ll probably have better luck.

If you are here for a short hike to break up the drive across HWY 20, this is an excellent option. The trailhead is just a mile off the highway, parking was adequate for a drizzly Sunday and the trail was both easy to follow and a gentle grade. The trail was truly beautiful! Berry bushes are starting to turn red, and the trees along the trail create a nice canopy to shelter from too much sun or rain depending on the weather you encounter. The lake was peaceful and not busy at all. Of course if you are visiting in October expect very different parking and crowding issues. 

Also, I just want to give a shout out to the Methow Valley Trails Collaborative volunteers who were replacing a footbridge located just past the turn to the lake. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our trails in good condition.