Squire Creek Pass via Eight-mile Trail — Friday, Jul. 15, 2011

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

I hiked this trail one month ago and was close to the Pass when I encountered solid snow at 3,500'. I had a bad case of "needahikeitis," so I went up again and encountered snow at 3,600'! This time I was prepared with waterproof boots, gaiters, trekking poles, a gps with new batteries, traction devices, and snowshoes. I needed everything except the last two items. The last mile of the hike is firm snow (no postholing). My gps guided me right to the Pass. The clouds were hugging the tops of the mountains, so there were no great views; but the waterfalls on Whitehorse across the valley made the trip worthwhile. There were no bugs, no hikers, and not even another vehicle on Clear Creek Road today. I enjoyed the Red Columbine along with many other flowers that lined the trail. There is only one step-over blowdown on the entire trail, but keep in mind that Eightmile Creek trail is not a walk in the park. There are several creeks to cross, but all can be traversed safely now.