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Trip Report    

Day Hike - Squak Mountain: Sycamore Access

With just the right amount of switchbacks, the 7º uphill grade is good toning up for spring & summer hiking (btw that's about the same grade as Mt Si, considered to be 8º)

Roseanne Lorenzana Roseanne Lorenzana
March 13, 2024
  • Road suitable for all vehicles
    • There's a bit of mud in a few low spots but otherwise the forest is showing it's vibrant greens of new foliage. 
    • Today our small group left our vehicles near the highschool and piled into one SUV to head up to the Sycamore Access TH on Crystal Creek Circle where parking next to the TH is limited to one vehicle (maybe two, if cozy). It's a public road and public pull-off space, but if stony looks from the neighbors make you uncomfortable, you can add 2 miles (r/t) and ~500' elevation gain by starting at the TH on Sunrise Pl SE.

Our lollipop-loop: Sycamore access→East Ridge→Phil's Creek→East Side→Sycamore. With just the right amount of switchbacks, the 7º uphill grade is good toning up for spring & summer hiking (btw that's about the same grade as Mt Si, considered to be 8º). The top of this grade is ~2.75 mile from the TH, at the junction with Old Griz trail (elev 1667' per sign on tree next to trail 😏).

Some Osoberry shrubs have their white flowers. Hermit thrush serenades going up the trail and Pacific Wren and Robin song everywhere else. The glacial erratics on the East Side trail are a reminder that we humans are just a blip on the geological scale of time. Overall a delightful trip.