Squak Mountain Traverse

Cross one of the three major peaks in the Issaquah Alps. You'll see forest, an historic fireplace, and, if you use Trailhead Direct to do this hike, you won't have to look for parking!

From the Margaret's Way trailhead, head uphill on the WTA-built, switchbacking trail for 2.75 miles to a four-way junction. Go straight here onto the West Peak Trail and hike for a half mile to another junction. Continue straight, passing a swampy area on the right. Just 0.2 miles from the second junction, take a very short side trail to the Bullitt Fireplace. Once private property, the Bullitt family donated the 590 acres they owned to the state in order to start Squak Mountain State Park. The fireplace is one of the last remaining remnants of their cabin, which once stood here.  

Follow the Bullitt Fireplace Trail around to the service road that marks Central Peak on Squak. Here’s your high point; 2,025 feet. From here, find the Summit Trail by following the service road downhill and turning left after a few hundred feet. It’s a little more than 0.6 mile before you hit a junction. The ravine to your left is known as Thrush Gap—stop and listen; can you hear any birds singing?

From here, the East Ridge Trail descends steeply for 1.06 miles to a junction with the Sycamore Access Trail. You’ll stay straight here, get on the Squak Mountain Access Trail. Follow this trail another 1.9 miles where it comes to a junction at Wildwood and Newport Way. It’s another mile into town: turn right onto Newport Way, then in a block turn left onto Front Street. Hike another block and turn right, then stay straight all the way to the transit center.