A beautiful day for a hike. The road is clear to the TH. The trail was its usual gnarly self until we reached the last mile before the pass. From there to the summit is snow, which is packed. Gaiters, poles, and spikes helped significantly. The pass views are outstanding with the snow and the blue skies. We didn't meet any other hikers on this trail. Too bad. We left a good track for others to follow to the pass.

The road has a couple gully crossing that require more than a Prius, and we clocked 6.0 from the highway to the trailhead. We went about 45 minutes past 3 O' Clock Rock before increasing snow and the prospect of crossing a large stream turned us back. No people on a sunny 65 degree day.

We started at Squire Creek, went over the pass, and exited via Eight Mile, for a fun little point-to-point (8.5 miles, approx 3000 ft of elevation). The first 4.5 miles of Squire Creek are described in this helpful trip report: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2015-10-08.0418707908. From approx mile 4.5 – 5, the route traverses talus fields, avalanche slopes and sections of slide alder that require some mild bushwhacking. At just over 5 miles, the route transitions back to trail as it makes the final climb to the pass. Currently, the route is marked pretty consistently with pink flagging. You just need to keep your head up, pay attention, and be willing to get a bit scratched up. The views at the pass and the fun of a lightly traveled point-to-point route were worth it. More pictures here: http://evergreenendurance.com/2015/10/16/trip-report-squire-creek-pass-point-to-point/

Trail was steeper and rougher than anticipated but not hard to follow. Definitely felt like a steep climbers trail. Peak a boo views of the beautiful granite at exfoliation dome across the valley as we headed uphill. Also enjoyed the views of eight mile creek cascading over the granite slabs. Clouds obscured half of three fingers but still beautiful views and felt very alpine. Trail stays wet so watch out for slippery roots and mud especially on the descent. Really amazing granite all over the place. Lots of diversity in ecosystems you pass through and generally a hike I'd recommend to someone who is up for the 8 miles on rougher forest service road. If we had started earlier I would have continued up the ridge a bit from the pass.

Trailhead is 6.5 (not 8 miles like some sources say) miles off mountain loop highway just south of Darrington. Hiked this steep trail yesterday - about 1000 feet gain in elevation per mile. Trail is rocky first, then lots of tree roots, better after the saddle at 2 miles in. No fresh water sources, just a few ponds. Mountain/valley views are nice at the 2.5 miles which is a good turn around point or lunch stop. Our young dog came along and did fine in the heat since the trail is mostly in the trees and she has good endurance when it's steep. Not recommended for older dogs or ones with health/joint issues. Wild flowers are all dried up, just saw a few huckleberries. Round trip - 5 miles and 2400 feet up.