After a very cold start this morning, I climbed up Porcupine Creek to Cutthroat Pass. I traversed a long ridge and over two spurs, each revealing stunning views to Granite Pass. The trail traversed Tower Mountain to Methow Pass with distant views of Fisher Peak and Mt Arriva to the west. I then dropped down into the Methow River to make camp after walking 13.4 miles, 21.6 km.

Last night was cold, the coldest night on trail so far. Surprisingly, nothing froze, but I guess the damp air is what made it feel so cold. It was very hard to get up this morning, I left camp at about 9:30 am, but as soon as I did the scenery made it worthwhile.

I got caught up by Fruit Loop very shortly after leaving camp, we’d both heard of each other through our mutual friends, Mango, Cook and Wow. We chatted as we walked all the way up to Cutthroat Pass. The clouds were just beginning to part when we reached the top, and the views were insane. Camping up top on a clear day would be phenomenal, but I was glad not to have stayed there last night otherwise it would have been lost in the clouds and I would have left camp before they’d cleared.

Not far behind Fruit Loop was Bender, another familiar name. The three of us walked around the traverse from Cutthroat Pass, marveling at each new view which was dramatically unveiled by every spur we rounded.

We reached Granite Pass, and could see the trail all the way along the side of Tower Mountain. Methow Peak was easily visible at the opposite end of the valley.

The traverse to Methow Pass was nice and flat, with a good walking surface. Towards the end, I could see distant mountains; Fisher Peak, and behind that, Mt Arriva just peeking through the clouds.

Up on Methow Pass, the larch trees were all turning a bright yellow colour for the autumn. It really has been amazing to see the seasons turning like this. All the clouds and cold weather, while challenging, highlight just how long we’ve been out here. To see the full passing of a whole hiking season in the wilderness is a true privilege and actually quite hard to digest.

I dropped down to the Methow River and made camp. My spot tonight has good flat space, and nice level benches around a campfire ring. It really does seem a shame to be at a campsite like this and not light a fire, but they’re still banned out here apparently.