8:30 p.m. I'm camped on a little shelf just a short way below Cutthroat Pass. The hike today along the Methow River was overgrown but easy going. The views were excellent anytime there was a break in trees. The climb started out pretty gradual and the forest sections were quite cool. The climb to Methow Pass was challenging but the scenery was spectacular. It got even better at the top. Then was the long traverse to Cutthroat Pass with even better scenery. But I did make a side trip to Snowy Lakes. It was a really hot 500 foot climb. But it was so worth it. I had the place to myself for about an hour and a half. I went for a nice dip and warmed up on the granite slab afterward while gazing at the surrounding peaks. Beautiful!

On the way down I passed a group of about 10 teenagers. Yikes. I met several other people heading that way too.

Only 5 miles to the highway.