Out and About with Kids: Hike to Cutthroat Lake

We all have those places. Those places which mean a great deal to our heart and this is one of those places for me. Five years ago, I came to this trailhead for the first time and walked to this bridge with a heavy heart. The sun was shining and after all it was my favorite time of year. As I looked out to one of the most beautiful places I had ever visited I took a deep breathe. After days of feeling like I could barely breathe in this moment I knew I was going to be alright....that we were going to be alright. Days prior we had said goodbye to our first born. Instead of bringing home a happy bundle of joy instead we brought home heartache, pain and a small wooden box with his remains. A couple days later as our home was filling with condolences and flowers we knew we wanted to get away from it all. So we hopped in our car, headed north and drove and drove until we came to this place- the North Cascades. 

I don't believe in coincidences. That we just happened to drive up here or that we just happened to stumble upon an inn where we were able to snag the last room available. Once we checked in it just felt right. We cried, we laughed and most importantly took the first steps to finding our new normal. We have come back here every year since to honor Asher, celebrate him, our beautiful life together and to get away from it all. 

Driving Directions

From I 5, take Highway 20 across the North Cascades, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Cross both Rainy and Washington Pass, and after the hairpin turn, near milepost 167, look for Cutthroat Creek road 400, signed Cutthroat Lake trailhead. Turn left and drive a mile on the good gravel road to the end and trailhead. There is a large parking lot and a vault toilet.