Margaret's Way

This moderate hike through a mature second growth forest connecting to an overlook with a view to the south featuring Mount Rainier in the distance. It's 5.5 miles round trip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain.

getting there

The Cougar/Squak Corridor Trailhead has a paved parking lot that provides space for a dozen or so cars. It is just south of the Wilderness Creek Trailhead on Renton-Issaquah Road SE (SR 900) about 3.7 mi south of I-90 Exit 15.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - TRAILHEAD DIRECT

On weekends and designated holidays, Trailhead Direct takes riders to three hiking destinations: Mount Si, Issaquah Alps, and Mailbox Peak. All buses are run by King County and regular fares apply, just like in the city. By establishing this service, Trailhead Direct aims to increase accessibility to local trails, limit vehicle congestion in trailhead parking lots, and reduce carbon emissions. If you will have a group of more than 10 people, please fill out this form to reserve seating.

on the trail

One of the newest trails in the King County Park System, Margaret's Way threads it's way up the southwest aspect of Squak Mountain in Issaquah Alps.  A mature forest and a variety of birds and other wildlife adds interest to this trail which ultimately connects with the Squak Mountain Trail System.  A short side trip from the upper trail junction takes you to an overlook featuring May Valley and beyond including, on a clear day,  a nice view of Mount Rainier. 

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 5.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
  • 1,730 ft
  • Land Manager: King County Parks & Recreation
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Green Trails Cougar Mtn No. 203S
  • see Land Manager
Activities

Upcoming Activities

Day Hike - Margaret's Way

Day Hiking Trip
An after-hours conditioning hike to the summit of West Squak.
Difficulty: Moderate
Wed, Mar 22, 2023
No Prerequisites
3 participants 2 leaders
Registration closes Mar 22
Foothills Branch

Day Hike - Margaret's Way

Day Hiking Trip
Rising up to Spring Series. This is the 10th, and last, in a series of
Difficulty: Moderate
Wed, Mar 29, 2023
No Prerequisites
1 participant on waitlist
Registration closes Mar 27
Foothills Branch

CHS 2 Hike - Margaret's Way to Debbie's View

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS hike led at a brisk CHS 2 pace (2.5 mph).
Difficulty: Moderate
Fri, Apr 7, 2023
No Prerequisites
8 participants
Registration opens Mar 22
Seattle Branch

CHS 2 Hike - Margaret's Way to Chybinski Loop Trail

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
The steady climb up the Margaret’s Way trail is on a well-maintained, forested trail. At
Difficulty: Moderate
Sat, Apr 15, 2023
No Prerequisites
8 participants
Registration opens Mar 22
Seattle Branch

CHS 1 Hike - Margaret's Way to Debbie's View

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS hike led at a CHS 1 pace (1.5-2.0 mph)
Difficulty: Moderate
Sat, Apr 29, 2023
No Prerequisites
8 participants
Registration opens Mar 22
Seattle Branch

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

Day Hiking Trip
After Hours Conditioning Hike at a Moderate Pace
Difficulty: Moderate
Wed, May 10, 2023
No Prerequisites
8 participants 0 leaders
Registration opens Apr 24
Foothills Branch

Intro to Fastpacking Shakeout Field Trip - Margaret's Way

Trail Running Field trip: Introduction to Trail Running: Fastpacking
Test packing your gear and essentials for an evening out and back trip to a
Difficulty: Moderate
Tue, Jun 13, 2023
No Prerequisites
5 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Apr 1; Instructor registration open now
Foothills Branch

Intro to Fastpacking Shakeout Field Trip - Margaret's Way

Trail Running Field trip: Introduction to Trail Running: Fastpacking
Test packing your gear and essentials for an evening out and back trip to a
Difficulty: Moderate
Thu, Jul 6, 2023
No Prerequisites
5 participants 1 instructor
Registration opens Apr 1; Instructor registration open now
Foothills Branch

CHS Tacoma July Hikes - Margaret's Way

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
One way hike with a very short car shuttle. Trip will initially open to Tacoma
Difficulty: Moderate
Fri, Jul 21, 2023
No Prerequisites
7 participants
Registration opens Jun 15
Tacoma Branch

August Hikes: 4 miles to 7 miles, 600 to 2,000 feet gain - Margaret's Way to Debbie's View

Day Hiking Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Series
This hike counts toward your monthly required GoHike course hike for August.
Difficulty: Moderate
Sat, Aug 5, 2023
No Prerequisites
10 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Jul 7; Instructor registration open now
Foothills Branch
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Margaret's Way to Central and West Peaks
  • Margaret's Way to Chybinski Loop Trail
  • Margaret's Way to Debbie's View
Resources

There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.