Squire Creek Pass via Eight-mile Trail — Thursday, Jun. 23, 2022

Hiked up to Squire Creek Pass from Eightmile Trailhead off of NF 2065. Road is in good shape with 3 trees hanging down over road. Lowest tree leaves probably 7-8 feet of clearance. Was comfortable in a Hyundai Santafe (9 inches of clearance), but anything lower may pose issues making it to the trailhead due to some deep dips in the road.

The trail itself is somewhat steep and not well-defined in places but is in generally good shape up to around 3600', where snow coverage begins. Snow is constant from 3600' to the top of the pass at 4000'. Some route finding required on snow, but nothing too difficult. Snow was soft around 2pm and mostly low angle. I felt comfortable without poles or foot traction. Earlier in the day I would recommend poles and at least microspikes. All major creek crossings had enough snow coverage to make it across, but I did punch through a couple times up to my thighs in various places. I did the hike in approach shoes and was thoroughly soaked after boot glissading down the snow fields, so either embrace the wet or bring some gaiters.

Great views of Three Fingers and Whitehorse from the top. Higher squire peak looked very straightforward to get up to, with well-consolidated snowfields up to the summit block. Overall, a great hike! Definitely worth the effort.