Squak is always a great alternative when other trails along the I-90/Middle Fork corridors are flooding. The trails we hiked all had decent drainage and only a few places where we had to step over rivulets. Only one of the restrooms (right side) was open for the winter, but it was so nice to have a LIGHT come on! Stocked with TP. Discover Pass is required here.
7 of us braved the break in the weather following very high winds the night before. We managed to take full advantage of the lull - complete with some sunbreaks -- with ZERO rain. Some light wind at the summits (Debbie's View and West) but other than some downed debris (which we cleared from the trail as we encountered anything that would cause tripping) no issues blocking us. We all agreed the biggest lesson learned is GET TO THE TRAILHEAD and THEN decide. Many folks bailed pre-emptively. We were all very glad we tried it as it was delightful.
Interpolating data suggested 7.5 miles and 2500' but who knows; we averaged 2.1 MPH moving time and traveled for 3.5 hours so... Yeah.
We found a geocache near Central Summit, and had about 8-10 other people on the mountain including a few trail runners who frequent Squak on Tuesdays. Among the 8 bird species were a big flock of chestnut-backed and black-capped chickadees and golden crowned kinglets, as well as some Pacific wrens. Only mammals were squirrels and a dog. Fun outing and very grateful for those who joined the adventure.
We started our trip at 7:45 a.m. just as a few trail runners were warning us of lots of water on the trail.
There is definitely standing and running water on the trail in a few places, higher than I've ever seen on Squak. Also mud, but not as much as I expected. This trip was an alternative destination to Otter Falls/ Big Creek, thinking the Middle Fork might be at greater risk of flooding; that was a wise decision.
Our loop took us up from May Valley to the fork toward Debbie's View, then clockwise to Chybinski Loop, through the forest to West Peak, down and over past the dilapidated Green House, Bullitt Fireplace, and to Central Peak where we closed the loop and returned to the car.
There is one spot in the upper reaches above the "turnstile" where we all had trekking poles for the descent. Fortunately at the time, water was not actively running down it but wet roots and abundant leaves may have contributed to slickness. A couple of folks slipped with zero issues or injuries; take your time, be cautious, and space out your hikers so nobody runs into one another.
And I was surprised to see cascades in the middle of the forest where I didn't think water even flows! All in all a lovely outing.
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