**ROAD REPORT ONLY, DID NOT HIKE TODAY**
I have a 2013 Subaru Impreza hatchback, which I specify for its exceptional low clearance compared to most Subaru models. I wanted to see if my car could make it past the washout portions of the road to reach this trail; I've handled a lot of rough roads but one past trip report mentioned a Jeep Cherokee bottoming out.
There are three washouts and the second one is by far the worst. Go slow, downshift your gears, stay to driver's right on the way in and "aim" your car toward the left coming out of the washout. I could see smaller cars getting stuck but mine did just fine, and I have no idea how any model of Jeep could have any issues. Maybe maintenance has been done since that report. The rest of the road was smooth and in great shape.
The trailhead is a small dirt path in the brush to the right of a creek. There is a small pull off with a campfire ring for a few cars to park. Here, there is water running over the road and cascading down the other side, about two inches deep in some places. If you drive past this, you have gone too far.
I'll be back in a couple weeks to hike when the snow and ice have melted at higher elevations. Now that you've read this report and know how accessible the trailhead is, maybe we can take a break from Lake 22, Heather Lake, Mount Pilchuck, and Goat Lake, and bring back more info on this one.
Comments
Frijolera on Squire Creek Pass via Eight-mile Trail
Are there any camping spots nearby? Will be in the area early part of June
Posted by:
Frijolera on May 28, 2020 11:53 AM
badassidy on Squire Creek Pass via Eight-mile Trail
there aren't any established campsites but there is endless space and opportunity for dispersed camping, to just pullover and pop up a tent. There is also Cold Creek Campground across the Mountain Loop Highway from the forest service road, but I'm unsure when it will be officially open
Posted by:
badassidy on May 28, 2020 12:09 PM
Muledeer on Squire Creek Pass via Eight-mile Trail
Just a heads up on this trail. I have hiked this a few times and done some trailwork here also. This is NOT a smooth, well trod graded trail like Lake 22 etc. This is a rocky, rooty mess of a trail and after 3 OClock Rock, there is a good possibility of losing your way AND it is steep!. It is fun for experienced hikers, but not a good one for beginners.
Posted by:
Muledeer on May 28, 2020 08:30 PM
ngie on Squire Creek Pass via Eight-mile Trail
What Muledeer said. I’ve done trail work here and gone all the way to Squire Pass and it’s a narrow, rooty goat trail requiring careful navigation and such.
Posted by:
ngie on May 29, 2020 10:25 AM