Squak Mountain : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Overview

Squak Mountain, located in the Issaquah is a very popular hiking and trail running destination close to the Seattle metropolitian area. The true mountain is made up of three summits, the two higher ones reachable by trail. Despite having a summit covered with cell phone tower and very little views on the summit (there is a very faint view from the true summit toward downtown Seattle and some of the Olympics) this mountain has its own state park and a large network of trails. This is due to the very close proximity to downtown Seattle and nearby Interstate 90.

One of the major attractions with this mountain is the Bullitt Fireplace, which serves as a great resting spot between the main summit and the West Squak which itself has no views. This mountain is often looked in the climbing community, like all of the other Issoquah Alps as a "Dumpster Dive", or peak in which you bring a heavy backpack and condition on during poor weather when none of the higher peaks are available.

The most direct route to the true summit is to walk up the Squak Mountain Road which starts at the Squak Mountain State Park trailhead and rise up 1600 feet in 2.5 miles. It is a well maintained dirt road and is very easy to follow. In order though to truely enjoy the park though it would be key to combine it to one of Squak Mountains many other trails for a nice loop hike. Just don't expect many views because there are few to see.

Getting There

FROM DOWNTOWN ISSAQUAH: Take Front St. south toward the mountain with the cell tower on it (Squak Mountain). The road will past the Issoquah High School and then turn into the Issoquah Hobart Road. Stay on that road through the gap between Poo Poo Point and Squak Mountain. Once past the gap make a right on SE May Valley Road. The trailhead will be on your right hand side and will be very well marked.