Chybinski Loop, Margaret's Way and Debbie's View & Bullitt Fireplace Trail — Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026

My hiking group made a loop on Squak Mountain today after hikes further afield had dismal weather conditions.  We started from the Bullitt Fireplace trailhead on Mountainside Drive at 8:20.  No others were parked there when we headed up the trail.  It was 55 degrees with overcast skies after overnight rains.  It was surprising to see to how quickly a good rain could make the forest feel less dried out.  The entire route was hard packed wet soil.  The main trail coming down from Bullitt fireplace seems more eroded each year, with loose rocks and channels throughout.   We followed the Chybinski Loop trail with side spurs to Debbie’s View (no field today), over West Peak to Bullitt Fire Place and back down the loop to the trailhead for just over 6 miles.  Lots of mushrooms big and small were popping up.  Oyster mushrooms seemed to be the most prevalent. Some vine maples and Oregon grape were showing orange / red foliage.  Trail traffic was super light we passed 3 trail runners and 4 other hikers. After stopping for a short lunch break at the Fireplace we chilled down quickly and added layers before our descent.  The sun was starting to break out when we walked up to the Th at 12:50 Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.