Margaret's Way Trailhead — Attraction in Issaquah

21dec2021 TUE morning 40+_F, i went to Magaret's Way Trailhead for a CCW-Loop: Magaret's Way Chybinski West Access (100 ft of Dragonfly SR900 Magaret's Way TH. (Stats: 7.1 mi Total Time: 3:42)

Off Magaret's Way Trail, i can't see/locate the South-end of the Dragonfly Trail. And so i went all the way to West Access Trail where i found the North-end of the Dragonfly Trail. i went ~100 ft on the Dragonfly Trail, then turned-around because after having seen the "blockage" (though not too bad or messy) at the North-end, i didn't want to risk going all the way (1+ mile?) to the South end of the Dragonfly Trail to only find that the "blockage" is worst .. and then i have to double-back ..

The Trails were well-signed, and in good condition despite its wet and some muddy spots - passable. Some light melting snow cover at the higher elevations, especially more so on the Chybinski Trail - not icy and passable with care though (i used my Treking Poles).

On my Out/Up, the first ~0.8 mile, i was "pacing" 2 other pairs of hikers (but they later turned and went off Magaret's Way). And i only encountered 3 hikers coming down. Lots of peace and quiet .. my favorite solitude in the woods, forest, mountains!

i would have to return another day to fully "re-discover" and enjoy the full Dragonfly Trail.

Happy Trails...

Margaret's Way Trailhead is a hidden gem in the Issaquah Alps. Unlike the other area trailheads, Margaret's Way Trailhead has a large parking lot and several structures from its past life as a campground.

Some of what you'll find includes an old office building, tennis/basketball court, a clubhouse with a filled-in pool in the back, a sign welcoming you to the "Issaquah Highlands," and the remains of several other unidentifiable structures. Buried under straw, or hidden under a beautiful canopy, you'll find even more remnants of the old campground, including level camping spots, power connections and water taps (dry). NOTE: Camping is no longer permitted at this park.

Back on the main trail, you'll be taken up the mountain via a combination of old campground roads and new trails. As you near the top, you'll find a remnant of the mountain's logging past, vast areas of new growth trees. Continuing onward, you can take an unmarked side trail (built trail) to an outstanding panoramic view of the valley. Continuing on the main trail connects you with the rest of the Squak Mountain Trails, including Debbie's View.

The Cougar-Squak Corridor is an amazing area for a hiking, and Margaret's Way Trailhead is an excellent place to start...

Parking is tough to find. I went at 11 and parking was almost full. Got lucky and saw a car leaving and found a spot just in time. There is no entry fee to the park and parking is free as well. There are reports of car windows being broken, so be careful. I usually carry garage door openers and paper work with me and leave nothing in the car that’s valuable. But I have seen plenty of car glasses on the parking spots and have friends who had items stolen from their car. Yeah, so be careful.

There is not-so-well-kept portable toilet at the trailhead.

Trail is well maintained and view points make for a good resting spot. Overall nice trail with entire mid section almost flat, gives you time to recover.

It’s about 8 miles and took me about 2 hour 50 minute at average pace (22-25 minute a mile) with 5 minutes rest at the Debbie’s view. I can imagine it would easily take 4 hours at conversational speed.

Once you reach the top, the trail forks into many smaller trails all wonderful and...