Margaret’s Way Trail to Debbie’s View is a pleasant 6.8-mile ramble through the forest on Squak Mountain. Located between Cougar and Tiger Mountains in the Issaquah Alps, Squak Mountain is easily accessible from the I-90 corridor and only a 40-minute drive from my house in downtown Seattle.
I’d never been to Squak Mountain before, so I decided to check out for the first time in 2018. There are multiple trails to choose from that crisscross Squak Mountain, but I eventually settled upon Margaret’s Way.
It’s one of the best hikes in Issaquah (and much less crowded than the ever-popular Poo Poo Point Trail!).
Managed by King County Parks and Recreation, Margaret’s Way was so new that it didn’t even appear on my map when I hiked it for the first time. I needn’t have worried about losing my way, however, as this is easily the most well-marked trail that I have ever visited.
I counted no less than 18 trail signs along the 2.7 mile-long trail (one-way).
Sign marking the entrance to Margaret’s Way Parking Lot
At the trailhead for the Margaret’s Way
One of the 18 trail signs along Margaret’s Way
Table of Contents
Hiking Margaret’s Way Trail
I arrived at the trailhead just prior to 7:00 am and, although I saw a half dozen cars in the parking lot, I didn’t pass another person on my way up. The trail begins with a moderately steep incline for the first mile or so until it reaches a viewpoint.
The Margaret’s Way trail
After pausing at the first viewpoint, I debated whether or not to check out the next one I encountered as the viewpoint is off trail a ways. I decided to explore it anyway and was glad I did – it boasts a bench and a lovely view that would make a great stopping point for anyone wanting a shorter hike.
Viewpoint Number 2 on the Margaret’s Way Trail
Crossing the trail’s one muddy patch
After the second viewpoint, the trail flattens out somewhat and meanders through the woods. I stopped frequently to admire the various wildflowers and birds along the way.
Foxglove
Rhododendron
Buttercups
The trail gains elevation again in the last half mile or so until it joins up with the Chybinski Loop Trail. From there, many options are available for extending one’s adventure. Bullitt Fireplace is a popular destination on Squak Mountain.
Intersection with Chybinski Loop Trail
It’s a bird!
Stinging nettles
Debbie’s View
Alas, I didn’t have time to explore further during this visit, and so headed right on the Perimeter Trail for .2 miles until I reached Debbie’s View. This lookout also has a bench and even better views than the previous lookout – I could see all the way to Mt. Rainier.
What a fabulous view of Mount Rainier
It was getting later than anticipated so I hoofed it back down the hill. I passed three other groups of hikers on the way to the car but otherwise I had the trail to myself.
It was such a different experience than when I hiked the Poo Poo Point Chirico Trail exactly 2 weeks ago. That trail felt like a superhighway – I passed more people in the first 5 minutes on Chirico than I encountered on Wednesday’s hike of Margaret’s Way.
What a beautiful trail. I’m looking forward to coming back soon and exploring the rest of Squak Mountain.
Debbie’s View
Hike Information and Map
Distance: 6.8 Miles
Elevation: 1614 feet
More Information
For more information on hiking Margaret’s Way, check out the following links:
- Margaret’s Way – Washington Trails Association Web Site
- Margaret’s Way Trail to Debbie’s View – AllTrails.com
Here are some other trails in the Issaquah Alps:
- Poo Poo Point Chirico Trail: Issaquah’s Best Workout
- Through-Hiking the Tiger Mountain Trail in the Issaquah Alps
- Exploring Cougar Mountain in the Issaquah Alps
- Tiger Mountain Trail & Poo Poo Point Trail Loop
Looking for some other hikes near Seattle? This post has some good ideas on where to start:
Thanks for this description. It helped me choose a hike for Mother’s Day!