Squak Mountain

Along Issaquah’s southern border rises 3 mountains—Cougar, Tiger and Squak—otherwise known as the Issaquah Alps. The smallest (at 2024ft) and most hospitable of the 3 is Squak. Situated between Cougar and Tiger, and well-decorated with manicured homes and neighborhoods, Squak Mountain was first utilized by early settlers for logging and coal mining, yet now it is one of the most sought after living areas in Issaquah. Whether you plan to raise a family, or are merely looking for some peace and quiet, the miles of hiking trails throughout the acres of natural preserve and Squak Mountain State Park, can be enjoyed by all types of nature enthusiasts.

Originally, the 600-acre Squak Mountain Nature Preserve, which spans across much of the upper mountain-face, was owned by the well-to-do Bullitt family, who also owned Seattle’s classical music radio station, KING FM. Later in life, the Bullitts generously donated their land to the city of Issaquah as wildlife preserve. Today, whether it be tire treads embedded into old logging roads, coal mining rail trails, or an old stone fireplace and chimney leftover from the Bullitt’s forest cottage at the top of the mountain, remnants still remain of the mountain’s history.

Getting to Squak Mountain is convenient as it is a short drive from the East Lake Sammamish I-90 exit. After turning east past the Issaquah Park & Ride on Newport Way, you can then head south up 12^th Avenue N.W., passing popular Tibbetts Valley Park with its imaginative playground and tree-lined baseball complex. This steep road will continue to snake its way upward while a myriad of neighborhoods branch off from the main artery. After a series of twists and turns, the curvy road turns into a loop that runs through pleasant Forest Rim, the highest elevated neighborhood on the mountain, which boasts spectacular views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, the whole of Lake Sammamish in the north and the Issaquah Valley.

Kids and adults alike enjoy exploring their backyard park, building forts from forest materials, and finding spots to hang rope-swings from strong Cedar and Maple branches. Mushroom tops, fern families and berry bushes decorate the trail borders, as well as tree stumps covered with holes made by local woodpeckers. From certain areas of the upper preserve, Issaquah High School’s football field can be seen from spaces between tree branches that shelter the mountainside. Most students will attend IHS, as the neighborhood is within the Issaquah School District.

Families do most of their grocery shopping at the QFC or Safeway near the foot of the mountain, or at local Front Street Market. For other amenities residents can visit Costco and the other super-stores found in Pickering Place near Eastlake Sammamish. Retail shopping and delicious dining options are close-at-hand along Gilman Boulevard in Downtown Issaquah.