Squak Mtn loop via East Side Trail

Back in early 2025, after the bomb cyclone, we saw that the East Ridge Trail was blocked just past the junction with the East Side Trail, and the East Side Trail was...just gone. The trails have been restored -- many thanks to the Issaquah Alps Trails Club and others who worked on this! We've been up the East Ridge Trail since then, but haven't checked out the East Side Trail. So...

Let's start from the Issaquah City Hall, take the Squak Access Trail, then the beginning of the East Ridge Trail. This time, we'll turn north onto the East Side Trail. When we get to Phil's Creek Trail, we'll turn south, and continue south on Old Griz Trail. We'll tag the Squak Mtn peak (nothing to see there...), then turn back briefly, and take the formerly secret unnamed trail (now on official maps and even Google Maps) to the Bullitt Fireplace, where we'll stop for lunch.

After lunch, we'll come out a different way, via the Bullitt Fireplace Trail, then through neighborhood streets back to City Hall.

This is about 8 miles, 2700 ft elevation gain. Approximate route:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/abvTEGgKfkQZEocw5

Logistics:

Weather forecast is for no rain, partly cloudy, temps in the high 50s deg F.

This is actual trail, with some steep parts, so wear hiking footwear with good traction. I'm bringing trekking poles, because I know there are slippery bits...

Bring water, lunch, snacks. There are no cafes or water fountains on Squak Mtn. If you are prone to forgetting to bring food / water, pack something the night before. (Just sayin', as we've had folks who forgot lunch on several recent hikes.)

Bus riders: The #554 is the most convenient for Issaquah City Hall and the hike start time. If you are coming from north Seattle, you can now take Link line 2, and transfer at the new Mercer Island station. If you're coming from Bellevue / Kirkland / Redmond, you could take the #271, but the arrival time isn't convenient. Instead, you could now take Link line 2 to Mercer Island, and transfer to the #554. Use Google Maps or Metro Tripplanner or your favorite app to plan your route, and see if it uses Link line 2.

Drivers: There is parking south of Sunset Way, along Rainier Blvd and 1st Ave. Don't use the lot that is north of Sunset, next to City Hall -- it has time limits. Also look for time limit signs in some places in the lots south of Sunset Way.

Use comments to coordinate.