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Squak Mountain - Chybinski

Day Work Party

Thu Feb 12, 2026: 8:30 AM — 3:30 PM

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Region

Issaquah Alps — Squak Mountain

Crew Leader: Liza Noworyta

Windfall on West Peak, 180 rings counted. Photo by Maddy

Overview

Come help repair storm damage from the December Atmospheric Rivers on this well used trail.

About the Area

The newest trail to the Issaquah Alps sytem, the instantly popular Margaret's Way connects Cougar and Squak mountains while meandering through old growth trees up to Debbie's View. At the top you'll get great views of Mt Rainier on a clear day.  

What to Expect

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.

Project Description

Chybinski trail is in need of general tread and drainage work. There are a few spots where trees were uprooted and the tread will need to be reset. West Access trail heading towards 900 is in major disrepair after the December rains – this will require extensive drainage and retread. Pick-mattocks will be the best tool for this work. On the off chance of lowland snow, Crews will pivot back to Big Tree Ridge trail on Cougar.

Hiking Information

Our hike to the project site is expected to be 3-4 miles round trip up a steady climb and back.

Schedule

  • 8:30 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew, rain or shine
  • 8:35 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site
  • Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
  • Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work
  • 3:30 PM: Sign out after enjoying refreshments at the trailhead

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

Planning Information

Get ready for a great day outside!

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

  • No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need
  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain
  • Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18

What to Wear

Required:

  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes
  • Work gloves
  • Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
  • Long pants

Recommended:

  • Sturdy work or hiking boots
  • Long sleeved shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.

What to Bring

  • Lunch and plenty of water
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
  • A pack to carry your personal gear
  • A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

From the Hiking Guide

See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.

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Partners

Directions

From Seattle drive eastbound on I-90 and take exit 15. Mileage in parentheses below is from the end of the off-ramp (mile 0.0). Turn right, and go to the second stop light. Turn left on Maple Street. Go 0.2 miles and turn right on 12th Avenue NW. You will now be entering a housing subdivision. Go uphill on 12th which becomes Mt. Olympus Drive (at 1.2 mile). Turn right on Mt. Olympus at a yield sign (at 1.4 miles). Stay on Mt. Olympus until you bear left on Mountain Park Drive (1.9 miles). Turn right on Mountainside Drive and continue to the parking area (at 2.4 mile) just before road switchback up to the left. (Driving time from Seattle: approximately 45 minutes.)

Note: Please follow the written directions above instead of using a GPS device. This will ensure that you get to the correct meeting location for this work party. The location of the pinpoint below is only approximate.

Getting to WTA work parties can involve travel on rough, unpaved roads in areas without cellular service and without street addresses that can be accurately used by navigation devices. Unless specifically noted otherwise, routes can generally be traveled by all types of vehicles. Volunteers with limited experience driving on unpaved mountain roads may want to allow extra time, beyond what is recommended in the directions above, to get to the meeting location.

Required Documentation

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