Squak Mountain Trails Get a Fall Refresh
Squak Mountain trail after crews cleared summer overgrowth, October 2026. Photo courtesy of Washington State Parks.
By Julie Davies, Washington State Parks
You asked, and we listened! Squak Moutain’s trails have a whole new look for fall!
Squak Mountain State Park is beloved by locals and out-of-towners for peaceful hiking, beautiful flora, and bubbling creeks. While the locals know this is an enchanting place to lose yourself in the forest, Washington State Parks prefers its visitors to not actually get lost.
Summer growth and debris crowd the trail on Squak Mountain before maintenance. Photo courtesy of Washington State Parks.
On another foggy morning, summer overgrowth lines a trail before its fall refresh. Photo courtesy of Washington State Parks.
Over the past few years, Squak Mountain has been hit hard with storms leading to fallen trees, impassible trails, and damaged signs. Members of the public were sure to sound the alarm when they noticed their beloved park in need of some TLC. This month, the Washington State Parks put a trail brushing team together with staff pulled from four different state parks to come together to give Squak Mountain the attention it deserved. Feedback from individuals, user groups, and partner organizations, along with internal scouting missions, led to the development of two work parties to tackle the most overgrown trails.
Map showing the extent of trail maintenance completed by Washington State Parks staff across Squak Mountain during two workdays, with maintained trails marked in pink.
Armed with chain saws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, loppers, machetes, and plenty of snacks, the group set out on the trails. After two separate full days, the group:
Removed 6 down trees on trails
Cut back overgrowth on over 6 miles of trail, including May Valley Loop, Phil’s Creek Trail, Bullitt Fireplace Trail, East Side Trail, West Access Trail, and several other unnamed connector trails
Repaired fallen map sign boards
Images of four of the six downed trees cleared from Squak Mountain trails during October maintenance. Photos courtesy of Washington State Parks.
In this time of uncertain staffing for Washington State Parks, it is the voice of the everyday visitor that helps make sure trails are maintained and safe. Thanks to emails and phone calls from runners, hikers, and horseback riders, staff were able to pinpoint the areas that needed the most work. Washington State Parks staff regularly checks emails and voicemails for Squak Mountain, and every photo, map, and comment is reviewed. If you are in the park and notice anything from graffiti to a down tree, please do not hesitate to send a picture, a comment, and, most importantly, the location. Your input matters now more than ever!
Squak Mountain State Park | Email: squak.mountain@parks.wa.gov | Phone number: (425) 455-7010