Central Peak

Squak Mountain's Central Peak is accessible from several trailheads around the mountain, but the most direct route is from the Squak Mountain State Park trailhead, (also known as the May Valley trailhead).

From the trailhead, hop on the trail signed for Central Peak. The most direct route to the summit is to follow the signage for the Central Peak trail, a 3.3-mile distance.

There are many side trails that can be taken to add loops and additional viewpoints. If signage is lacking, a good rule to follow is to proceed towards the higher elevation for the shortest route.

Once you reach the Bullitt Fireplace, the summit is only a short distance away. The lower parts of the trail are multi-use; the last 1.6 miles are hiker-only.

Historical Note

Created in 1972 when the Bullitt family donated 590 acres of land at the top of a mountain near Issaquah to the state, Squak Mountain is the quieter sister of the two other Issaquah Alps. The donation included a stipulation that the land must remain in its natural state. Several other parcels of land were acquired over the years, combining to make Squak Mountain the extensive network of trails it is today. 

Traces of early land users are readily found throughout the park, from remnants of old coal mining rail trails to overgrown logging roads. Massive old-growth stumps dot the forest alongside the trails. The Bullitt fireplace, a popular park destination, is all that remains at the site of the Bullitt's summer home.