Old Griz, Summit Trail & Phil's Creek — Friday, Jan. 10, 2003

Issaquah Alps > Squak Mountain

This is my second trip on the East Ridge Trail. Starting at the Issaquah Trail Hut I walked the connector trail to the East Ridge Trail. A major blow down on the Squak Connector Trail has been cleared in the last 2 weeks making this part of the hike much easier. The trail all the way to the East Side Trail was in excellent shape, no blow downs and a good tread. My first trip up was in the mist and quite nice, on Saturday, no mist or rain and more car noise but still marvelous forest. Once on the East Side trail blow down's become evident. Nothing that can not be gotten around but present every once in awhile. Took the East Side until it connects with the Phils Creek trail and then up the Old Griz trail to Central Peak. Old Griz does not seem to get much use and can be difficult to follow. Cleared some branches from several blow downs on the way up. Views from this part of the trail were excellent of the Cascades and Tiger Mt. Lunch at Central Peak and then the walk down. More blow down on the upper half of the East Ridge trail but all easily navigated. Trip took about 4.5 hours with breaks. My guess is the total mileage was about 8 miles. East Ridge trail appears to be very popular with families, dogs etc. The trail is in excellent shape, particularly for this time of year which may explain its popularity.