Squak Mountain State Park, State park in Issaquah, United States.
Squak Mountain is a state park near Issaquah featuring a network of hiking trails that wind through mature forest and connect several hilltops. The routes vary in difficulty and pass through different forest types, offering changing views as you gain elevation.
Coal was discovered on Squak Mountain in 1859, which led to the first commercial coal mine in Issaquah in 1862 and in Renton in 1863. Mining ended long ago, but the danger of abandoned mines is one reason the mountain has been preserved from development. Squak Mountain State Park was formed in 1972 with a 590-acre grant from the Bullitt family.
The name Squak derives from the Southern Lushootseed language term sqʷásxʷ, reflecting the Indigenous heritage of the Issaquah region.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as some trails are steep and exposure to sun varies depending on your route choice. Spring through fall offers the most comfortable hiking conditions, though the park is accessible year-round.
The park began in 1972 with a 590-acre grant from the Bullitt family, given on condition that the land stay in its natural state. Those terms still apply on the original parcel near the summit, where greater restrictions on park use remain in force. Only the foundation and fireplace of the Bullitt family summer home survive there.
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