Bullitt Fireplace and Central Peak, Squak Mountain - Bullitt Fireplace Trailhead, Seattle - Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Snoqualmie Pass - Central Cascades, Washington
Bullitt Fireplace and Central Peak - 5.2 miles
Squak Mountain - Bullitt Fireplace Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 5.2 miles (includes both destinations) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 789’ – 2,139’ (2,139’ max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +1,350’ net elevation gain (+1,443’ total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy-Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Bullitt Fireplace and Central Peak - 5.2 Miles Round-Trip
The Bullitt Fireplace Trail runs 2.6 miles to the eponymous landmark and on to Central Peak (2,139') in Squak Mountain State Park. The central portion of Squak Mountain was once privately owned by Seattle timber baron Stimson Bullitt; the Bullitt Fireplace is all that remains of a vacation home he built near the summit.
Trail Map | Photo Gallery
While the destination is anticlimactic, runners and families will enjoy mild grades and light crowds on this quiet alternative in the busy Cougar-Tiger-Squak corridor. Several trail connections along the way offer longer routing options through the Park:
The trail rises gently on a wide path through alder groves to the first of several marked junctions (.65 miles : 1,100'). Follow signs for Bullitt Fireplace in each instance. Grades steepen through 1 mile on potentially muddy track into large Douglas fir stands (1.25 miles : 1,420').
At 1.45 miles you'll reach a split with access to the Central Peak, a slightly shorter alternative to the summit than the Fireplace route. The main trail narrows and steepens on singletrack to the Bullitt Fireplace (2.2 miles : 2,028'), located among tall trees with a picnic table.
The trail drops 140' from the Fireplace to join the Central Peak Trail you passed at 1.45 miles. Follow signs .3 miles to the Central Peak (2.6 miles : 2,139'). The summit lacks views and is not especially attractive (there's a fenced cluster of radio towers in the area).
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 31.117 W122 03.471 — 0.0 miles : Squak Mountain - Bullitt Fireplace Trailhead
- N47 31.008 W122 03.654 — .65 miles : Stay left at sign
- N47 30.872 W122 03.367 — 1.0 miles : Grades steepen
- N47 30.733 W122 03.371 — 1.25 miles : Stay right at junction
- N47 30.451 W122 03.516 — 1.7 miles : Stay left at junction
- N47 30.321 W122 03.184 — 2.2 miles : Bullitt Fireplace
- N47 30.262 W122 02.863 — 2.5 miles : Central Peak summit (2,139')
Worth Noting
- The Cougar-Squak-Tiger corridor, locally known as the “Issaquah Alps” is an extremely popular and accessible day-hiking area close to the Seattle-Bellevue metro area. It covers nearly 15,000 acres of connected forest lands for recreational use.
- In early spring, stinging nettles – a superfood whose sting is neutralized when cooked or dried – can be gathered in abundance on Squak Mountain.
- Squak can often be a lower-trafficked alternative to Tiger or Cougar Mountains on busy summer weekends.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- Camping is not permitted in the Cougar-Squak-Tiger State Park corridor.
Rules and Regulations
- A Discover Pass is required at this trailhead.
- Bikes & motorized vehicles are not permitted. A few trails are designated for horseback riding in Squak Mountain State Park.
- Camping and fires are not permitted.
Directions to Trailhead
The Squak Mountain Bullitt Fireplace Trail is located 2.1 miles off Exit 17 on I-90 at Issaquah.
From I-90, take exit 17 (signed Front Street) and turn right (south) off the ramp. Continue south on Front Street through downtown Issaquah, turning left on West Sunset Way at .7 miles. At the first intersection, continue straight – the road turns into Mountain Park Blvd.
Climb steeply uphill for 1 mile and turn left onto Mountainside Drive. Continue .4 miles to a spur just before a large switchback in the road. The spur has parking and a signed trailhead.
This Cougar-Squak Corridor parking lot holds 15 cars and does not have bathrooms.
Contact Information
Squak Mountain State Park
21430 SE May Valley Road
Issaquah, WA 98029
360.902.8844
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