Squire Creek — Friday, Mar. 5, 1999

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

The day was too gorgeous to spend in the city!! Heading up the forest road, I was stopped by snow at only 1000' elevation. The overnight freeze put a crust on what would have been superior powder. I put the snowshoes on and climbed 1000' in three miles to the trailhead. The stream was as low as I've ever seen, but will probably come up with the temperature. Now the hiking got tough. (boo-hoo) The snow was about five feet deep and drifted from here on out. I can see the drainage channels our WTA crew rebuilt last July, working, even under the snow. About 3/4 mile down the trail (abandoned road) the trees finally parted for a panorama of the mountains that had been peeking through the forest. Stellar views of Three Fingers, Mt. Bullon, and the cliffs of Whitehorse. I had lunch and watched (heard) the avalanches pour down the opposite side of the valley. After this point, there were many creeks to jump, and the route became less obvious. This route is not too strenuous, and appeared to be safe from avalanches. The enjoyment factor was pure, however, mileage and elevation are approximate.