Squak Mountain State Park is the quieter middle sibling of the Issaquah Alps, with forested trails, mossy ravines, and steady climbs that feel wilder than their proximity to Seattle suggests. It is a strong choice for hikers who want trees and elevation without the crowds of more famous trailheads.
The park is not about summit drama so much as immersion in Pacific Northwest forest. Bring proper shoes, expect mud outside summer, and use it as a half-day nature escape from Issaquah or the east side suburbs.