Squak Mountain is my favorite amongst the Issaquah Alps. I probably say this in all of my Squak Mtn posts 😘 because, to me, if feels the least visited, most wilderness and easiest to escape suburban noise. And, the trails seem to be always in great shape. Today’s wintery weather mix provided added dimension to the otherwise mossy forest. At ~1600’ the trees all had a gentle coat of white, but none below 1500’. The Osoberry shrubs are beginning to bloom.
From Sycamore Access, the trail immediately climbs through switchbacks, from 300’ elevation to 1200’, in 1.5 miles for a great workout. We did our loop in a clockwise direction with a stopoff at Phil’s Cabin. Two years ago, almost to the same March date, I visited the cabin when it was still a whole structure (see my 2021 WTA report & pictures here). The intervening 2 years have taken a quick toll. Built in 1975, the forest is now reclaiming it. (History link, below) Total 5.7 miles, 1500’ accumulated elevation gain. Sycamore Access→East Ridge→Phil’s Creek→East Side→Sycamore Access
Thanks to those who have cut and cleared the many fallen trees along our route. Nice work! Parking is very very limited (see picture). Room for 1-2 vehicles if snuggly parked. Any other parking ends up in someone’s front yard (so, don’t do that). We carpooled from the Rainier TH on 2nd, which has its only tiny carpark, room there for 6 tidily parked vehicles or 4, if not. Since it was a school day, there were highschoolers parking here, too.
Comments
Great report. I can't believe what two years have done to that cabin. Sad to see. SR
Posted by:
stever on Mar 24, 2023 07:24 PM