Day Hike - Squak Mountain: May Valley Access

Route: Gaia GPS
Starting from May Valley TH, we will hike up May Valley Loop Trail and do a lollipop traverse via steep Bullitt Gorge Trail to witness the ruins of the old Green House, then head south along Debbie's View Trail to a small viewpoint where Mount Rainier may greet us.  We will take a short snack break here, before heading down via Perimeter Loop Trail, which leads us back to May Valley Loop Trail.

Travel style:
Pace will be around 1.8-2 mph uphill, a little faster downhill, with quick breaks along the way as needed.  We will travel as a group, within sight of one another.  This will be a group activity where teamwork is expected.  Please be willing to help anyone who might be having an off-day (which happens to everyone), and be willing to be helped (such as allowing others to carry your pack) to ensure a fun and safe outing for everyone.  Please make sure the pace, behavior expectation, and distance/elevation gain of this trip are a good match with your preference and physical conditioning before registering.

Conditioning requirement:
If your Mountaineers’ activity history does not show any recent hike of similar pace, distance, and elevation gain within the last 3 months, please email the leader (Kana) with your recent conditioning.

• Trekking poles - strongly recommended as some sections of the route are steep and can be slippery with mud
• Gaiters - helpful to contain mud splashes
• Microspikes - may be required if ice or snow is expected (further detail will be emailed to registered participants closer to the date of the trip)

10 Essentials + such as:

• Map - please make sure to have the route downloaded/created in your map application (e.g., Gaia GPS, CalTopo) or a paper map and a compass
• Rain jacket - rain pants, pack liner, pack cover would also help in case it rains
• Snacks - easy to access & eat while hiking. Extra for emergency
• Water - in an easily accessible container / hydration pack. Keeping hydrated maintains your blood circulation and helps staying warmer
• Cold protection gear - gloves/mittens, beanie, fleece/puffy jacket, neck gaiter, sit pad, space blanket, extra pair of socks (in case boots get soaked & blisters begin to develop), etc
• Headlamp with extra batteries - make sure batteries inside are not corroded
• Synthetic or wool hiking clothes - no cotton or jeans to minimize the risk of hypothermia
• Sturdy hiking boots - waterproof helpful when walking in mud or water on trail
• First Aid kit
• Potty kit - many outdoorswomen find stand-to-release devices very helpful
• An entire set of dry clothes to keep in the car - in case we get unexpected downpour
• Extra toilet paper & sanitizer to keep in the car - always a good idea!

Foul weather:
The trip will be cancelled if continuous precipitation, sustained wind of 20+ mph, or other hazard is expected. Registered participants will be given the first right of refusal if the trip is rescheduled to another date.

Risk statement:
Please note that any outdoor activity involves potential risks of injuries. Some examples include: slippery mud, leaves, logs, rocks, and tripping hazards (roots, fallen trees/branches). Prolonged exposure to outside elements (cold, wet) due to an injury in the group, a missing member, or an unexpected encounter with a distressed third party requiring our help can happen. Sunset time on 1/20 is around 4:51 PM (earlier in tree-shaded areas). Please be prepared.

No pets on this hike please.

This is a new leader hike for Kana Goulding-Hotta, mentored by Rob Erickson. Please direct any inquiries to Kana.

8:15 AM at May Valley Trailhead (47.481833, -122.054213   Google Maps), ready to go.  There is an outhouse, which occasionally runs out of toilet paper.  Please arrive 10-15 minutes earlier to gear up, use the restroom, and gather by the trailhead sign for a group introduction.  (Discover Pass not required on MLK Jr day (1/20) )

Driving directions to TH (from Washington Trails Association):
The park is located just south of Issaquah.  Exit I-90 at Exit 15 and turning southbound on Issaquah-Renton Road, drive 4 miles, then turn left on the May Valley Road.  Drive 2.5 miles to the Squak Mountain State Park parking lot (21500 May Valley Road) on the left.   Another alternative for those coming from Issaquah and east:  Go south on Front Street through downtown Issaquah (changes to Issaquah-Hobart Road) for about five miles.  Turn right (west) on to SE May Valley Road.  The trailhead parking is on right after around 1.5 miles.