Trip Report
We were in the Seattle area for my daughter's last college softball games of the season. After a trip to the mall on a showery Sunday, the ladies wanted to relax in the hotel and I wanted to hike. I had picked out Squak Mountain in nearby Issaquah, Washington for my target. It was only 3.3 miles to the top and 1700 feet of gain, perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
Squak Mountain sits on land donated to the city to preserve the natural area. The peak stands out, with well over 1500 feet of prominence. The peak is now part of the Squak Mountain State Park and thus has a lot of visitors and charges a $10 fee (yuck)!
On my way to the peak, I ran into a heck of a rain storm... I was looking for more of a conditioning hike anyway, but I didn't want to be soaked to the bone. When I finally found the trailhead, the rain had subsided.
I deposited my money and off I went. The area is well signed, I will give them that. Every half a mile or so, a new sign would pop up. Part of the issue is a myriad of trails and roads through the area. I just kept following the "Central Peak" sign.
Within 20 minutes or so of leaving the trailhead, the sun was fully out and the lighting in the forest was great! Traveling through the ferns, cedars, and thick canopy was very pleasant. There were numerous creeks as well, adding to the appeal.
I past several drenched hikers and even a guy riding his horse. Eventually I hit a junction and the trail went from Interstate quality to a more rustic and steep trail. It was still good, but with the foliage crowding the trail, I was getting a bit wet.
I then popped out in more open forest and could tell the summit was getting close. I then passed the famous Bullitt Fireplace, just after which, I came to a junction with 3 options. It was foggy and I wasn't quite sure, so I went straight ahead and up. This got me there on more of a "goat" path.
The top is littered with buildings and antennas. It was foggy, cold, and windy; so I snapped a quick photo and then it was time to head down. I initially took the service road down, until I got out of the fog. Then I switched back to the Central Peak trail.
All-in-all I was impressed with this peak. It was nice to get in such a good hike between storms.
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