Squak Mountain State Park holds a very special place in my heart.  In the early spring of 2014, I ran a trail half marathon there.  The very next day, I found out that I was pregnant with our youngest, now 4-year old, Georgia.  Fun to say that I ran a trail half marathon while pregnant, right?

Tucked away from the other more popular Issaquah Alps, Squak Mountain is a little less known, and therefore a little less crowded.  Admittedly I even overlooked the park initially when I was charged with finding a “moms only” hike this past weekend.  Wanting to spend more time on the trail, than driving, we needed an option that wasn’t too terribly far from Seattle.  Snow was also something we wanted to avoid.  And of course crowds (or the hope of the lack there of) were a concern.

I’d forgotten about the gem that is Squak Mountain State Park until I consulted my trusty 75 Great Hikes Seattle guidebook. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head when I saw the section on Squak Mountain! I couldn’t wait to return.

For this particular adventure, we followed the author’s (who also happens to be my cousin!) guidance, and hiked the 6.2 mile “Squak Mountain Loop”.  In short, this is a fantastic hike, and especially one that I would recommend for spring time.  I loved the varied terrain, stream crossings, and peaceful forest that at times felt like it was carpeted in moss.

Our turn-around point, “Debbie’s View” was the perfect spot to rest, refuel, and take in Mount Rainier (when we finally spotted her through the clouds).  My friends and I put in a solid workout climbing those hills, and still made it back to our families in time for lunch.

Squak Mountain State Park is one of those spots that we come back to again and again so I thought I’d share a quick list of appreciation!

Squak Mountain State Park Features:

• In all of our experiences with the park, its been quieter and less crowded than some of the neighboring Issaquah Alps such as Cougar Mountain and Tiger Mountain.
• The Squak Mountain loop, outlined in the hiking guide I referenced above, is such a happy distance for a day hike! Not too short, not too long.  Plus, there’s a view point!
• There are neat historic aspects to this park.  The park was donated to Washington State Parks by Stimson Bullitt.  Bullitt had a summer home on the mountain, that was unfortunately vandalized and torn down, but  his fireplace still remains.

• Squak Mountain State Park is, for the most part, accessible and hikable year-round.  Sure it might snow, but it’s usually not enough to stop you from hiking a decent amount.  We visited on New Year’s Day one year just after a dusting of snow, and it was absolutely gorgeous.  And on this particular day (mid-March) there was snow on our way to Debbie’s View, but easily passable.
• There is a very sweet interpretive trail for kids! It’s just 0.3 miles, but has placards that tell the story of a field mouse who visits the forest for the first time. More info in this post from when Bergen (now 7-years) was just 3.5!  A great option for toddlers and preschoolers.

Squak Mountain State Park Info to Know:

• The park is located just south of Issaquah, Washington:
  • 21500 May Valley Road
  • Exit 15 off of I-90
• Discover Pass is required
• Pit toilets are available at the trailhead.
• Overall, the park and trails are very well signed, but the hike description in 75 Great Hikes Seattle was much appreciated!

Tell us about your spring hiking plans! What trails have you hiked, and what trails do you have on our radar?

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