Looking for an exciting outdoor adventure in the Pacific Northwest? Mark your calendars for the upcoming Sunday Trail Run at Squak Mountain State Park on May 25, 2025. This event offers the perfect opportunity to explore one of the region’s most beloved natural areas while connecting with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced trail runner or simply enjoy scenic hikes, this community gathering promises breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and the camaraderie that makes our local outdoor scene so special.
Squak Mountain State Park, recently reopened after extensive trail restoration work, stands ready to welcome visitors with its lush forests, sweeping vistas, and well-maintained path systems. As part of the twice-monthly Sunday Trail Runs series, this event continues the tradition of bringing together nature lovers from across the community to discover and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds our neighborhoods. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this upcoming event and how you can participate.
- Runners enjoy the scenic trails during the Sunday Trail Run at Squak Mountain State Park. Source: meetup.com
The Sunday Trail Run at Squak Mountain State Park offers participants two fantastic route options to choose from based on their experience and endurance levels. The group will gather at the May Valley Trailhead at 9:00 AM, where both the 7-mile and 10-mile routes begin. Participants can expect a moderately challenging experience as they ascend through the park’s beautiful forest trails. The real rewards come at the Central Peak and West Peak summits, where runners will enjoy spectacular views of Mount Rainier on clear days, making those uphill sections well worth the effort.
Planning to attend? Remember that a Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead, so be sure to secure yours ahead of time. The organizers strongly encourage carpooling to reduce environmental impact and parking congestion, so consider posting in the event comments if you need a ride or can offer one to fellow participants. After completing the run, the group typically gathers for food and drinks at a nearby establishment—a perfect opportunity to refuel and build connections with other outdoor enthusiasts in your community. The exact post-run location will be decided on the day of the event, adding a spontaneous element to the day’s adventure.
Preparation is key to enjoying your Squak Mountain experience, and the organizers have provided excellent resources to help you plan ahead. GPX files for both route options are available through the provided Gaia GPS links, allowing you to download the trails to your preferred navigation device or smartphone app. This technological support ensures you can follow the designated paths with confidence, even if you become separated from the main group. Additionally, the detailed Cougar-Squak park booklet offers valuable information about the area’s trail system, natural features, and wildlife you might encounter along the way.
The event highlights the remarkable recovery of Squak Mountain’s trails following November’s significant windstorm. Local volunteer groups and park rangers have worked diligently to clear fallen trees, repair damaged sections, and ensure safe passage throughout the park’s extensive trail network. This community effort demonstrates the strong connection between local residents and our shared natural spaces. By participating in the run, you’re not only enjoying these restored trails but also becoming part of the broader community that values and protects our regional parks. The event represents a celebration of resilience and renewal in one of our area’s cherished outdoor destinations.
The Squak Mountain run is just one highlight in the broader Sunday Trail Runs series that brings together outdoor enthusiasts twice monthly throughout the year. This established community initiative follows a regular schedule, with runs at Discovery Park near Seven Hills Running Shop on the first Sunday of each month, and “away” runs at various scenic locations like Squak Mountain on the fourth Sunday. This predictable calendar makes it easy for participants to plan ahead and incorporate these community events into their regular outdoor recreation schedules.
What makes these Sunday Trail Runs particularly special is their welcoming atmosphere. Runners and hikers of various experience levels come together, creating opportunities for mentorship, friendship, and shared appreciation of our local natural environment. Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a long-time resident looking to expand your social connections, these events provide a relaxed setting to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for outdoor activities. Many participants become regular attendees, creating a consistent community that supports each other’s fitness goals while exploring the diverse trail systems throughout our region.
