Cutoff Peak Traditional Geocache
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Size: 
(small)
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At 6,844 feet,Cutoff Peak isn't the tallest mountain on the American side of the Selkirks but you can see them from it.
The trail to Cutoff Peak is often overlooked in favor of the more popular hikes in the Selkirk Mountains. But an interesting surprise welcomes the few hikers who venture onto Smith Ridge.
Once on top, look almost due east across Long Canyon to see Parker Peak, the highest named peak in the American Selkirks. Beyond that is the flat ridge of "7707" - although it doesn't look it, everything else looks down from it. Almost due south rises the very formidable Smith Peak. Even "7445" stands pretty impressive from this angle. Did you know that Pyramid Peak has a twin just to the south? Look to the north to see the classic L-4 lookout on Shorty Peak and to the northwest for Saddle Mountain with one of two remaining Aeromotor steel lookouts on the Kaniksu.
Head up the Smith Creek Road and a little after the pavement ends and just before you see the 7 mile marker, turn onto the Union Road (FS Road 2443). Go about 6.5 miles to the unmarked trailhead. Much of the Union Road accesses a huge clearcut from the early 70s. It's come back into a nice second growth stand but the white pine is really taking a beating from blister rust.
It's just under three miles to Cutoff Peak. Enjoy this interesting perspective looking into the heart of Long Canyon.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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