Microspikes and gators highly recommended for current conditions. Last mile to squire pass is completely snow covered, and there are several steep traverses that would be challenging without increased traction. Snow notwithstanding, it was a gorgeous day.  

Got on trail at 9 am with one other car in parking area. Passed that couple on the way up and hit snowline shortly after the Three o'clock Rock, about an hour into the hike. Lost the trail above snow line shortly after crossing first snow field and turned back after some wandering (no tracks to follow). Snow melting in places so may be able to follow trail more easily soon, else plan for orienteering skills (prior on the trail would also help). Beautiful place! Microspikes and gaiters recommended.

Firstly, Thank You to the person who found and left my micro spike at the trailhead! Much appreciated! Secondly, Wednesday was such a weird day, the Universe was slightly off kilter that day and I did not quite make it to the pass (and actually, not as nearly as close as I thought I was), and so today I had to come back and finish what I started. I filled my thermos w/ Cream of Mushroom soup and headed out. Needless to say, not much had changed in 3 days, though there was less snow and more ice (and “mud ice”). Snow at about 3,050 was calf deep, and still dry and powdery. I followed coyote tracks up to the pass (I was surprised to see that a coyote would be up there, but it looked like he knew exactly where he was going and on a mission...up and over and then down the other side of the pass...he left a little coyote poo full of fur). At any rate, so glad I was able to get another hike up here while the weather was still  good. 

Nice hike to the pass today. Snow starting in the boulder field right below 3:00 Rock, we put spikes on here a little after due to ice. Snow, mud, ice, and tree roots (as always) dominated the trail, w/ the snow about 15" about 1/4 mile from the top of the pass. Lost one red micro spike, if found please respond. I can pick it up at trailhead if left there. 

Six of us hiked to Squire Creek Pass via the Eight-mile Trail. This is a rugged hike! Very rocky and rooty and steep trail much of the way. The big surprise was that, as the trail levels out toward the top, there are several granite slabs and waterways to cross, all of which were a sheet of ice! Micro-spikes would likely be useful here as long as the temps remain so cold. With some slipping and a couple falls,  and seeking re-routes to find best places to cross, we made it to the pass. What a reward for our efforts! Lunch in the sunshine, while sitting on the huge granite expanse of the pass with Three Fingers right "in our faces" and other peaks all around. It was glorious! Another delight on this trail is the number of enormous old growth cedars still remaining, along with perhaps the largest old growth stump I've ever encountered. The road in: The first mile or two are beautiful. Then there are three nasty ditches/washouts which are negotiable with care (I did fine in my Subaru Outback), and then the remainder is just a bit pot-holed. Another caution: Beyond the first portion of the trail, one can very easily get off-trail, so one must be very attentive to the actual trail route. It's a pretty primitive trail in some sections.