Arrived at trailhead about 8:30 am, two other cars. I love Squak Mt! <3
I didn't use the route described in this guide entry, but followed the Green Trails map and trail signage (mostly) for May Valley Loop (MVL) counterclockwise - 6.4 mile loop. The east side of the loop is ... rustic. Some spots in the SE corner are fine, wide and clear. But much of it is at best a vague boot trail through sword ferns. I know that most trails need some brushing, but this is beyond that, nature is winning. The trail is supposedly rated for and allows horses, of which I saw recent evidence (piles of poop) but it's got to be tough for riders in such a tight trail corridor. The section from the intersection with Phils Creek Trail (47.49703, -122.04314) up to the road...yikes. I took a photo - hard to see the trail at times. More evidence of recent horses, and lots of freshly cut branches on the trail. My theory is that a horse rider was carrying some snips and cut off the most offending branches as they passed through but just let them drop behind them. I cleared the larger pieces off the trail. (I know it was recent because most of the leaves weren't wilted yet.) There was one blowdown in this section that blocked a switchback, so had no choice but to cut the switchback (as others had before). I have a photo but not precise coordinates, it's probably near 47.49584, -122.04501.
And it would be great if the MVL was an actual loop without having to do a half mile on the access road, which is very steep with big gravel.
The west side of the loop is highly trafficked and in great shape.
Saw very few people on the trail, but most were with unleashed dogs. (And one with unleashed donkeys!) Not an issue for me, but FYI for others.
Even when I left at 11:30, there were still less than 10 cars and plenty of open space.
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