Pacific Crest Trail Backpack, Harts Pass to Cutthroat Creek, 8.3.12 - 8.8.12, Part 3 of 3
Most days we got out of camp around 9:30AM after coffee and breakfast. Day Five was no different. We worked our way down from Snowy Lakes to the PCT and then headed on the long traverse around the headwaters of Swamp Creek towards Granite Pass. This was one of the prettiest sections of trail hiking I have ever been on. The amazing views were non-stop and every turn brought something new. Absolutely beautiful.
Packed up for another day of adventure
Looking down Swamp Creek valley. Methow Pass is on the right next to Mt. Hardy.
Methow pass is behind the tree. Snowy Lakes basin is up on the right.
It was only two miles to Granite Pass but then we had a series of steep switchbacks to get above the pass. These were actually enjoyable because they were very tight switchbacks and each new turn felt like a new accomplishment. This was the highest elevation on the trip and we ran into a few snow patches covering the trail from Granite Pass to Cutthroat Pass. We also met lots of day hikers as we got closer to Cutthroat Pass and they were all interested in where we had come from. Once we got to the top above Granite Pass we turned a corner to an entirely new set of peaks east of the Cascade Crest and east of Washington Pass.
Josiah and Andrew reach Granite Pass
After 5.5 miles of enjoyable hiking we came to Cutthroat Pass. Passes aren't generally good places to find water but they are nice places to camp because you have a good vantage point for views and usually the breezes are stronger which keeps away the bugs. Cutthroat Pass is a junction of two trails. The PCT continues down another six miles to Highway 20 and Rainy Pass Campground. Another trail branches off down a different valley past Cutthroat Lake to a parking area further down Highway 20. This is where we had left Greg's truck and where we would go out on our last day.
One of the day hikers that had come up from Rainy Pass told us there was a stream crossing the trail about a 1/4 mile below Cutthroat Pass so while Bridgit and Andrew watched the packs, Greg, Josiah and I hiked down and filled all the bottles and the bladder and carried it back up to the pass. I saw a side trail leading up the ridge southeast of the pass so we headed up there and found beautiful camps with outstanding views.
The Needles from near Granite Pass
Cutthroat Pass
Our camp was on a ridge leading to a pair of nice peaks, The Molar and Cutthroat Peak. I had a chance to take some time to be alone and wandered up the ridge almost to the Molar.
Ridge above Cutthroat Pass leading to The Molar and Cutthroat Peak
We had reached our final camp early in the afternoon so we had lots of time to just relax and reflect on the great week. This was our last night on the trail so Greg broke out the Ullr and we toasted our journey and safe travels.
A sea of peaks
Liberty Bell and Early Winter Spire
Washington Pass Peaks
8,876’ Silver Star Mountain
Cheers!
Last light on last night
Other than the one hour rain storm at Snowy Lakes, we had nothing but beautiful weather the entire trip. On our final morning we awoke to a marine layer filling the valley with clouds. It was an amazing sight. The clouds started out below us and actually flowed very rapidly through the pass like a river. I wish I would have made a video of it. We knew it was just a marine layer and that it would burn off. It kept the temps down as we packed up for the last time and slowly headed down the ridge. By the time we had even started dropping off from Cutthroat Pass and down the Cutthroat Lake Trail the clouds were parting.
Five nights, six days, five passes, thirty-one miles plus side trips and an incredible time was had by one and all. I couldn't imagine better company to hike with and I would rate this year as one of the best backpack trips I've ever been on. Can't wait 'til the next one!
Packing out in the morning mist
Cutthroat Peak, The Molar and the ridge we camped on
Everyone had a great time!