Wilderness on the Metro - Squak Style
The year 2019 was a banner year for the Trailhead Direct service, bringing about 10000 hikers to popular trailheads in the Issaquah Alps. Sadly, COVID-19 came along, and threw a monkey-wrench into the works. We hope the service will resume in 2021, but meanwhile, don’t despair, there are several trailheads in town just a short walk from a Metro bus stop. This little article will describe one such connection. Specifically, hiking to the Squak Mountain Central Peak via the East Ridge Trail, starting at the bus stop on Newport Way SW by the fish hatchery (and Gibson Park). The bus stop is served by Metro routes 214 and 271, connecting to Bellevue and Seattle. (Another option is SoundTransit route 554, with its nearest stop about a quarter of a mile away at East Sunset Way and Rainier Blvd.)
The Metro bus stop on Newport Way SW next to Gibson Park.
From the bus stop, proceed south on Newport Way to the bridge over Issaquah Creek, where the Squak Mountain Access Trail begins (right beside the creek). Look for the coal mining interpretive sign entitled "Turning Coal into Profits." As per the map, this is the start of the Squak Mtn Access Trail, although you won’t see trail-specific signage until the Sunrise Place crossing.
Start of the Squak Mountain Access Trail.
The trail runs along the west side of Issaquah Creek for about .5 miles and then ascends up past the Wildwood Apartments and Kelkari Condos to Sunrise Place SW. Cross the street at Sunrise Place and continue for another .9 miles where the Squak Mountain Access Trail merges onto the East Ridge Trail. From there, the East Ridge Trail ascends the ridge, sometimes steeply, but the trail is in good shape. The woods are deep and inviting.
The Squak Mountain Access Trail Signpost on Sunrise Place.
At about 1400 feet there are peekaboo views out over the valley to the east including Poo Poo Point on the other side of the valley. There are better views here than on the Central Peak Summit! If the paragliders are flying, enjoy the show (from an excellent social distance).
View of Poo Poo Point from the Squak East Ridge Trail.
At about 1500 feet the East Ridge Trail turns west, but there is an unmaintained trail that continues south up the ridge to the Southeast Peak of Squak Mountain, an alternate destination. This is a good option to consider if you are looking for a trail without disease-ridden humans 😊. It is a very nice trail, but a bit overgrown in places. Seldom used by anyone. And the SE peak has a little bit of a view out towards the valley. The map shows that there is a view, but apparently the forest has grown a lot since the map was generated. The view at 1400' is actually better.
Or, continuing on the East Ridge Trail, it drops down to the saddle of Thrush Gap before ascending again, arriving shortly at the junction with the Phil’s Creek Trail. Turn right, following the signs to Central Peak. In just a few hundred yards is another junction with the Summit Trail, turn left and ascend, following the signs to “Central Peak.”
The Summit Trail Signpost at the intersection with Phil’s Creek Trail.
The Summit Trail terminates on the Squak Mountain South Access Road a short distance (.2 miles) from the Central Peak Summit. Turn right and ascend to the summit area and enjoy the ambiance of the communication towers. There are tiny views between the trees in places, but the views back on the East Ridge Trail are actually better.
Return via the same route.
Round Trip Distance: 8.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Map of the route (sidewalk portion in blue, with trail highlighted in yellow):
