This trail really needs to be saved. If it was 30 miles closer to Seattle it would probably be a premier hike, though not in its current condition. We hiked a good chunk of it today, turned back after four miles at the big talus slope at 3,100 feet with the awesome view of the Three Finger/Whitehorse divide. Beyond that point the trail vanished in the brush, though we didn't spend much time looking for it. No issues with water crossings, all the creeks were low enough to rock-hop across, maybe a little tricky for some in a couple spots. We also lost the trail at three miles when crossing a big dry wash at 2,100 feet. After chugging up steep forest for a few hundred feet we found it again. Later, we followed it down and the alignment was well off what Gaia showed. We added some cairns. When heading in and you reach that bouldery dry wash, descend about 30 yards and look for the steep exit on the far side. Goes up for 20 feet or so to the obvious trail above. Beyond this point the trail worsens considerably to about 1/3 decent, 1/3 bad, 1/3 horrid with several difficult blowdowns, light brush, muck, eroded trail, slippery rocks, etc. If that's the stuff you dream of, by all means, but if you made it that far, at least go for the big view at four miles.
Agree with others who say this one is best for those with strong route-finding skills (and legs). Getting off route could be serious. Again, it's hard to believe such a spectacular valley of giant rock walls, high waterfalls and old-growth forest has fallen by the wayside. Squire Creek, Darrington's Little Yosemite, deserves way better.
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