The East Ridge Trail north of Squak’s SE peak is extensively damaged and buried under blowdowns. Portions of East Side Trail and Equestrian Loop also have extensive blowdowns.
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Comments
I was going to do this hike but thanks to your trip report I will make other plans. Thanks!
Posted by:
Joel_Grant on Nov 24, 2024 04:14 PM
Dang! Thanks for the info and photos.
Posted by:
stever on Nov 24, 2024 04:37 PM
What a mess. Thanks for the update.
Posted by:
thebrink on Nov 24, 2024 07:37 PM
Looks like it will take State Parks quite some time to cut through all of the blown down trees on Squak Mtn. trails. The park rangers from Lake Sammamish State parks take care of the trails on Squak. I was at the trail junction in the last photo back in October. The Old Griz Trail goes up hill on the right just below the tree still standing in the photo right above the sign post. George
Posted by:
George & Sally on Nov 24, 2024 08:16 PM
The East Ridge trail is actually mostly on King Co property. The lower part is on City of Issaquah property. It crosses on to State Park land just beyond the junction with the East Side Trail. It's gonna take a coordinated effort. Every day hikers can contribute greatly to the effort with branch removal.
Posted by:
Maddy on Nov 24, 2024 09:00 PM
Maddy, good point on carrying a saw and helping out - see my post below. 2004 was the last really big windfall event and King Co. did the chain sawing on their section of SMAT/East Ridge. IATC sawed on the lower portions, and only branch removal / tread repairs in the County zones. State Parks may do nothing at all, so that's where the User Maintainers are most helpful.
Posted by:
scottsemans on Dec 02, 2024 12:04 PM
Thanks for that report. I’m trying to spread the word for fellow helpful hikers: Heave-It-or-Leave-It! HEAVE IT: Cut forked branches for easier handling. Toss, drag, or roll branches or logs WELL AWAY, downhill, or: LEAVE IT: Kick or drop cut limbs parallel with and ON the downside of trail, short of vegetation and not in a ditch. Wood tossed uphill migrates back down. Wood piled on trailside plants kills wanted vegetation, gives root shelter to trail invading species, fouls brushing equipment, clogs drainage ditches, and looks unnatural. Wood aligned cleanly ON the tread can be heaved by others, or rot with minimal blockage or trail damage.
Posted by:
scottsemans on Dec 02, 2024 11:56 AM