Cutthroat Creek Trail

Cutthroat Creek Trail (Trail #483, ref. 483) is a dirt path in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that provides access to Cutthroat Creek Trail #483 and the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 corridor. It’s commonly used as an out-and-back day hike to Cutthroat Lake, with the trail continuing as an extension toward Cutthroat Pass if you want a longer outing.

The typical turnaround is Cutthroat Lake, about 3.8 miles roundtrip for many hikers, with roughly 400–500 ft of elevation gain. Moving time is often around 1.5 hours, which matches the trail’s reputation as “moderately easy” rather than steep or technical climbing.

Route character is based on forest travel toward an alpine basin lake: you hike through dense pine forests on natural-surface path, then reach Cutthroat Lake set in a rocky basin. The basin setting frames Cutthroat Peak and Cutthroat Ridge when you’re near the lake.

Access is from the Cutthroat Trailhead off Highway 20 in the Methow Valley area. From Winthrop, drive west on State Route 20 for about 28 miles, turn right onto Forest Road 400, and continue about 1 mile to the trailhead area.

Trailhead logistics are the main constraint: parking is very limited and fills quickly. Vault toilets are available, and potable water is not provided at the site.

Recreation access and regulations matter here. Recreation passes honored include Digital Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, and Interagency Recreation Passes; there’s also a listed day-use fee structure. Bicycles are allowed up to Cutthroat Pass but not beyond the pass on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

On-site restrictions include: not accessible during winter closure periods when North Cascades Scenic Highway (State Route 20) is closed; no overnight camping within 1/4 mile of Cutthroat Lake; and pets are allowed when kept leashed.

More information: Visitor information, Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park - Shaka Guide, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest RV Guide - Outdoorsy