February Winter Conditioning Run: 6+ miles

Field trip: Winter Trail Running Conditioning Series

February Winter Conditioning Run: 6+ miles - Squak Mountain: May Valley Access

Winter Trail Running Conditioning Course runs from 6+ miles. You will need to complete 2 course runs per month over Dec, Jan and Feb to graduate.

  • Moderate/Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 7.1 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,195 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 2,045 ft
  • Pace: avg 3.5 mph

Meet at 6:00 am at Squak Mountain State Park trailhead just off of SE May Valley Road at the south end of the park. Following introductions, description of route and current trail conditions, plan to start running at 6:10 am. Outhouse in parking lot. Discover Pass required.

Directions: 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.

On this run, we will see the Squak West Peak, Bullitt Fireplace and Squak Central Peak.

We will follow a clockwise loop for ~7 miles total distance with 2,195 ft elevation gain. After hiking up to West Peak, we will loop and around and jog to Bullitt Fireplace, where we will stop for a brief pic and hydration/snack break before continuing on the Central Peak. We will look to do an avg pace of 3.5 mph: moderate hike uphill and 4.5-5.0 mph straightaway and downhill. Please bring a headlamp since we will be starting in the dark!

Link to GAIA route 

Link to Strava route

For a complete description of  trail running with the Mountaineers, please consult the Trail Running Standards.

Route/Place

Squak Mountain: May Valley Access


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Please wear layers of breathable, technical clothing suitable for outdoor aerobic activities for this course's activities.

  • Waterproof jacket, hat, buff, gloves, sunglasses; running-specific gaiters recommended
  • Warm mid-weight layer (e.g. down vest or wool long sleeve)
  • Trail running shoes
  • A small day pack suitable for trail running
  • Bring snacks and water
  • Trail running-adapted ten essentials
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
Trip Reports