Outstanding!

The bad news is that if you do not like arid eastern Cascades terrain, you will not like this trail beyond Cutthroat Pass.  The good news is that if you like eastern Cascades, this trail offers some of the most spectacular scenery around. 

If you are starting from the Pacific Crest Trailhead at Rainy Pass, this part of the trail is well maintained and in very good condition.  The ascent to Cascade Pass is relatively easy.  At about 2.5 miles, the trail enters meadows and campsites. In early season water is plentiful from snow melt.  There are several small streams in the area that could possibly provide camp water in late season.

From the pass, Cutthroat Peak towers above the pass at 8,050 feet, a rocky peak on the divide between Rainy and Washington passes. To the east you'll see Silver Star, Liberty Bell and farther away to the southwest, Dome Peak.

There are plenty of other enticements. Take a one-mile side trip on the Pacific Crest Trail to a viewpoint above Granite Pass, where the scenery is spectacular, though this portion of the trail is sometimes blocked by snow until later in the summer.

If you can arrange it, plan a one-way hike -- leave a car at the Rainy Pass or Cutthroat Creek trailhead and hike one way.

If you approach Cutthroat Pass from Cutthroat Creek, you have additional options. Hike an easy mile for a side trip to Cutthroat Lake before climbing to the pass or, if you'd like a mellow outing, make Cutthroat Lake your destination. It's ideal for a short hike, a beginner's backpack or a family picnic, since it's only three miles round trip.