Day Hike - Margaret's Way to Debbie's View

Meeting place, Squak Mountain Lodge parking lot:  Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 7:30 AM, carpooling encouraged. Contact me for assistance in finding carpool partners, and please note you are responsible for arranging your own carpools.

Google map location to trail head:  https://goo.gl/maps/2Vmtodv4iy12

Parking pass not required at this lot.

There is an easy-to-miss large blue sign indicating Cougar Mountain Recreation area, turn there as parking lot is directly ahead. This is our meeting place.

This is a great conditioning hike with a moderate but steady incline. Where the trail meets Chybinski Loop, we will head off for a short distance to Debbie’s View, where on a clear day, beautiful views of the valley and Mt. Rainier can be enjoyed. Although this hike is at 5.5, the short excursion to Debbie's View adds a bit to our overall trip, but not in elevation. Here we will stop, enjoy a light snack, take some photo opps, and head back down!

Although this is a well-maintained trail, it can be very muddy in places, with exposed roots throughout. In addition to your ten essentials, make sure you have waterproof boots, gaiters, and rain shell/jacket.

This is a moderate hike, with steady elevation gain, moderately steep in some places, but not for long distances. Hiking poles are recommended. We will be hiking at a moderate pace, with a few short breaks before reaching Debbie’s View point.  I recommended that you be able to demonstrate that you have the conditioning and experience necessary to complete and enjoy this trip successfully. I strongly suggest you having completed a hike of similar distance and gain within a month of this hike. If you are unsure, please email me and we can discuss further.

Check latest weather conditions: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=47.5065733534&textField2=-122.086651539#.WsfZbejiyEI.gmail