Margaret's Way and Debbie's View, West Peak, Bullitt Fireplace Trail, Old Griz, Phil's Creek & Equestrian Loop — Saturday, Mar. 16, 2024

A group of friends and I put together a point-to-point "thru-hike" of Squak Mtn. We dropped a car at May Valley Trailhead, which was more full than I have ever seen it, and then headed to the Margaret's Way Trailhead. That lot was completely full, but as we arrived at 11:30 am, after one circle, a car backed up and we were able to easily get a spot. 

Margaret's Way to Debbie's View
We started at Margaret's Way, where we made our way up to Debbie's View. For how crowded both parking lots were, I was expecting more people. We did see several on the way down the final switchbacks at the end of Margaret's Way, but not as crowded as we thought it would be. Trail also was an excellent shape. Almost no mud, but the early signs of mosquitos and a few at the wetter parts. 
  At Debbie's View, we took a lovely break amongst the crowd, as Tahoma was out in her full glory on this beautiful early spring Saturday. It was full, but easy enough to find a seat and enjoy the sun.

West Peak to Bullitt Fireplace to Old Griz
Then we headed up to West Peak, my first time there. The short trail is very up and down, and quite steep. Not much remarkable other than a good workout and some remains of an old cabin, of which not much is left.

We headed down and connected with Bullitt Fireplace Trail, just .2 away. There was no one at the fireplace, to our surprise. I did notice the picnic table has been turned since the last time I was hear 2.5 months ago, allowing for anyone sitting to have a view of the ruins. 

We then followed the trail to the connection with the Old Griz Trail. This side of the mountain seems less traveled, but is full of lush trees and foliage. Absolutely a joy to hike on a nice day like today.

Phil's Creek Trail + Equestrian Loop + South Access Road
We ended with the part of the May Valley Loop. I haven't spent as much time on this side of the mountain but on the higher pars of Phil's Creek Trail, you can see Tiger Mountain through the trees and enjoy a moderate descent into lush creek-land. Then we crossed a bridge and started the descent in earnest on the Equestrian Loop, following several hoof prints. 

We didn't see anyone else once we turned onto the Phil's Creek trail, until we arrived at the parking lot. Prior to that, we saw only 1 other after the fireplace. If you're looking for solitude, it is possible to find it on this mountain if you're willing to forgo Margaret's Way and Debbie's View. I think Phil's Creek in particular is a lovely gem.

I was expecting the trail to be muddy after previous trip reports, but there was hardly any mud. It is in excellent shape after this warm week. 

May Valley vault toilets had both TP and hand sanitizer! The lot was nearly empty when we returned at 4:30 pm. Margaret's Way trailhead was more full, but still less than half.