Headed out Sunday at 5:30ish, got to the trail head at 7:30. The road up is pretty decent, there are definitely a few spots that I'd highly recommend having AWD and a semi high clearance vehicle.
Also just keep going straight up there are a couple forks and different service roads. You won't miss the parking lot and trail entrance, it has a pretty good sign. Also, maybe 10 cars can fit there, by the time I was done at about 1ish the lot was basically full.
When the guide says this is steep, that's an understatement. There are numerous times it's a straight up bear crawl. Enjoy the cool views and the little pond, which I would say marks you about halfway.
I didn't bring snow shoes or gaiters, as the earlier report made it seem it was all passable, id highly recommend once you clear the tree line to be very careful, I fell into snow up to my waist a few times. The payoff is complete isolation and silence, the view of Three Fingers is amazing.
Was also my dogs first ever hike and she had am absolute blast.
Difficulty, id say to get to the plateau and have a nice lunch spot with a view is 8/10 without snow shoes, prolly significantly easier with. I definitely felt I shoulda turned around a couple times, but I was too close to quit.
Great, not so popular hike and was a beautiful day for it!
Comments
Maddy on Squire Creek Pass via Eight-mile Trail
That's a heck of an intro to hiking for the dog! The dog does look very athletic.
Posted by:
Maddy on Jun 09, 2024 07:30 PM
signal55 on Squire Creek Pass via Eight-mile Trail
Shes all muscle, made her carry her own food and water in a little saddle pouch haha
I had never seen her so in tube, she was doing great at finding the trail and keeping an eye on me, I'll def be taking her out more, she had such a good time, especially on the snow fields haha
Posted by:
Signal55 on Jun 09, 2024 08:56 PM