Squaxin East Loop

Parking for the Squaxin East Loop is available within Squaxin Park. The park offers well-maintained parking areas, making it convenient to start your hike.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all park visitors and wildlife.

The Squaxin East Loop is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer is great for clear views and beachcombing. Even in winter, the lush forest provides a beautiful, cool experience, though some sections might be muddy, especially near beach access points.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access Squaxin Park or hike the East Loop. It's a publicly accessible park for everyone to enjoy.

Absolutely! The East Loop is considered an easy hike, making it very suitable for beginners and families. It features flat to rolling hills and generally wide, smooth paths with solid footing. The park also has amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, adding to its family-friendly appeal.

You can expect a diverse and beautiful landscape. The trail winds through a cool, lush forest with old-growth trees like maples, cedars, and firs, along with stately madronas. The understory is rich with mosses and ferns. You'll also catch glimpses of Ellis Cove and have access to saltwater shoreline for beach walks. On clear days, you might even spot the Capitol Building and the Olympic mountains.

The Squaxin East Loop is approximately 1.2 miles long and typically takes around 30 minutes to complete at a moderate hiking pace, though you might want to allow more time to enjoy the scenery and points of interest.

The park is excellent for birdwatching, with opportunities to spot forest birds and shorebirds like great blue herons. You might also see other local wildlife. The natural features include lush old-growth forests, vibrant mosses and ferns, and stunning water views of Ellis Cove and the saltwater shoreline.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Ellis Cove Trail, the Rose Garden Trail, and the Mission Creek Estuary Trail. The park has an extensive trail system, allowing you to combine different loops for longer hikes if you wish.

Yes, Squaxin Park offers several amenities for visitors. You'll find restrooms with running water, picnic areas perfect for a post-hike meal, and even a rose garden to explore.

Beyond its natural beauty, Squaxin Park has significant historical importance, originally inhabited by the Squaxin Indian Tribe. Along the trails, you might also discover unique elements like the "Phone in the Wind," a water feature, a wooden bridge, and various remote works of art.