Higher Squire by Jumbo Mountain and Helena Peak overlooks Eight Mile Creek, the shorter of the two standard routes. The trail meets the longer Squire Creek Trail from the north on Squire Creek Pass. The pass alone offers stunning views to Three Fingers and Whitehorse Mountain.
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Higher Squire at a Glance
Access: Eight Mile Creek Trailhead
Round Trip: TBD
Elevation Range: 1760′-4879′
Gear: helmet
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: with guidance
The Preface
I had only discovered this place recently. Because of its modest height, the peak doesn’t always stand out and isn’t visible from Mountain Loop Highway. Besides, the tall neighbors often keep this high point hidden from view.
After last week’s trip to Deception Pass, the yellow pup and I came to check out the peak today. So he could exercise, and I would use it as a conditioner for Lewis Peak. But it took us on the road I never knew existed!
Eight Mile Creek Trail
As Mr. Cooper recovered at home, Mr. Cody and I explored Boulder River Wilderness. En route to High Squire, we saw two climbers on a giant slab wall by the trail. As it turned out, it’s a popular climbing route around Darrington.
We didn’t need to go up to the pass to climb Higher Squire. So we made a left at the first opening out of the trees and went up to the northeast ridgeline. The goal was to find a decent place to attain the ridge.
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Higher Squire Summit
The ridgeline turned out woodsier and bushier than I expected. But to reach it, we needed to go through a few minor ribs first. The final bit up to the top was rocky but doable with veggie belay plus solid holds.
Before long, clouds had gathered around Three Fingers, so I never saw its three peaks. Despite being in and out of the mists, Whitehorse Mountain was always visible. Then I looked over to Jumbo Mountain and reminisced our trip.
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Outro
Helena Peak overlooked the eastern skyline, with Sloan Peak and Mount Pugh right behind it to the east. But it was woodsy and cloudy to the south without much to see there.
On the way down, we detoured via Squire Creek Pass for a close-up view of the mountains. Later I chatted up the two climbers as they packed up. Then the sky darkened before we returned to the car.
See more trip photos here.
