[boot up]

Contrary to all signage, it appears to be OK to camp on squak mountain.

debbie's view, illegal campsite. Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

If you are going to illegally camp. Probably don't choose the most popular destination in the area? Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

These guys had quite a campsite setup, right on the only viewpoint on the entire mountain, so not exactly a hidden location.

New signage. Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

But no harm, no foul, I suppose. I just hope they clean up after themselves. That would be novel for that demographic... First bummer of the day was somehow my camera was on its lowest resolution setting. Second even worst bummer was my 3 year old "bullet proof" industrial grade Canon G11 camera appears to have died.

Appears to be a dead sensor on a 3 year old Canon G11. Canon is not likely in my future cameras.

Looks like a dead sensor. Working one moment and just flicked out dead the next. LCD stills shows all its info and works, just no sensor image, I have tried recharging battery, and swapping and formatting memory cards. I think Canon has been dropping in quality the last couple of years. And previously I have been a major fan of Canon cameras. I was investigating getting it repaired, out of warranty, but some research indicates it could come back with a bunch of new problems, even if they fix this, and cost could be a major chunk towards a new camera. back to the hike.... Suprisingly decent weather for 80% chance of rain. Trail was a bit damp and slick in places but not really muddy. Only a few periods of light rain.

Typical trail. Nice and smooth and easy. . Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

Most people don't realize that you can easily lay out a 10 mile loop on Squak, as most people do very short out and backs. stats Squak loop 10.2 miles 2571 feet elevation gain 1818 feet max elevation 366 feet parking 6.5hours car to car 4hr8min moving

Squak loop 10.2 miles 2571 feet elevation gain 1818 feet max elevation 366 feet parking 6.5hours car to car 4hr8min moving

Squak loop 10.2 miles 2571 feet elevation gain 1818 feet max elevation 366 feet parking 6.5hours car to car 4hr8min moving

It makes for a nice handy, low elevation training loop for winter. I only saw maybe 10 people all day on a saturday hike. Although that is low for Squak. Like Tiger, there are some lightly used trails if you search them out. I did a bit of trail work with my tiny folding saw, making a blowdown easier to climb over. (the before pic).

I did a bit of trail work here to clear some of this mess. Only had a tiny folding saw along though. Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

And salvaging the Thrush pass intersection that I finally found camoflauged as a switchback. And I added a cairn, in light of other threads. This is not a hike for scenery, but rather a place to go to reel out some easy miles in quiet woods. It would be an awesome mtn bike ride....if it were legal....sigh....

Searching hard for photo ops. Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

The big waterfall. Several inches of drop. Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

Up the creek. Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

Debbie's View. The only actual view on the mountain. Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

Home sweet home. haha. "Bunker" of unkown origin. Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

Big Ole rock Squak Mtn WA, 1/5/13

Even with a working camera, there would not have been a lot more pics. So there is not a lot to distract you from a smooth pace of hiking or trailrunning.

[Damian]

Well there's worse things young folks could be doing these days. Good report Boot. Thx.

[like2thruhike]

Breakin' the law,breakin' the law......

[Malachai Constant]

There is a house downhill about 100 yds from Debbies view.

[boot up]

[tigermn]

[Mikey]

I have planted Red Flowering Currant bushes at the State Park south parking lot and along the trail. There are 7 Red Flowering Currant bushes planted near the 3rd bridge (creek with small waterfall just upstream of the bridge). Some of the bushes have colored surveyors tape on them. They should bloom about March.

[boot up]

[Apathizer]

I know this thread has been dormant for awhile, but it was interesting to me so I just thought I'd revive it. I've never done clandestine/illicit camping, but here are a few guidelines I can think of to avoid detection: - Set up camp well away from the trail - I'd say at lest 50 feet. - Don't stay in one spot for more than a couple days - the longer you're there the more likely someone will figure out what you're up to. - Keep the group size as small as possible. More people usually=more noise. - Leave no trace after you're gone. Duh! Of the 3 Issaquah Alps, Squak is probably the best for clandestine camping. Since only hiking is permitted (no bikes or horses) it gets less use. Any other tips/ideas to contribute?

[tigermn]

[Apathizer]

Hmm. It was my understanding that it's designated wilderness or something similar, which would mean no horses are permitted. I could be, and oft am, entirely wrong...

[mtnrider]

Horses are allowed in all Wilderness areas.

[Malachai Constant]

There are at least two abandoned cabins I know of on Squak.

[Blowdown]

Thanks for the trail work, Boot!

[Schroder]