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Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 477 Google reviews · Running trail in Issaquah, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Day-use park with 1,500+ acres of forest lands, plus trails for hikers & horseback riders.
What runners say about Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area
“There is a clean picnic table at the top to take in the mountain and enjoy lunch and a break before decent.”
“Beautiful views on the trail itself, Debbie's View is the ultimate spot which is only about half a mile farther.”
We did another part of this trail called as " Squak Mountain East Ridge trail" which is on North side of the main trail. Squak Mountain East Ridge is a 5.9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Issaquah, Washington that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate.
Great hike! The trail entrance is right next to the office building (kind of hard to see the sign). Pretty easy going until you get to some switch backs, not too many though. Beautiful views on the trail itself, Debbie's View is the ultimate spot which is only about half a mile farther.
Numerous intersecting trails make for an interesting series of hikes that are never the same. Parking lot was already packed when we arrived at 945 am on a Sunday. There were trickles of creeks for our dogs to drink from, and we got a workout (even if the trails aren't particularly hard).
Had a great hike and workout here! We started from the trail head, hiked up to West peak (no view), stopped at Debbie's view (amazing view) after and then took the perimeter loop back to the main trail. All in under 7 miles of mostly hiking through the shaded woods where half the journey was uphill.
Trail conditions & character
“We started from the trail head, hiked up to West peak (no view), stopped at Debbie's view (amazing view) after and then took the perimeter loop back to the main trail.”
“It is a bit of a hike so be in some sort of shape, but even this over weight out-of-shape old man made it up the hill.”
“There are several trailheads but May Valley and Margarets Way provide the most parking opportunities.”
“The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.”
“The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.”
“Chilled at Debbie's View and the pup and I had a light jog/run pace on the descent.”
Plan your run at Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.wa.gov
- Phone+1 425-455-7010
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–5 pm |
Running trails near Issaquah
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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The Rainier Trail
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Rainier Trail
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Squak Mtn- Bullitt Fireplace Trailhead
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Margaret's Way Trailhead
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Park with kid-friendly hiking trails featuring scenic views on clear days.