Squak Mountain

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy about Squak Mountain, a wooded, residential neighborhood tucked away in the evergreen-covered terrain between Olde Town Issaquah and Squak Mountain State Park, about 17 miles east of Seattle. “The allure is it’s natural setting. It’s removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, but you won’t have to work hard to get to nearby amenities. It’s very desirable,” says David Eastern, a branch manager at Windermere Real Estate’s Bellevue West Office. Eastern is longtime resident of nearby Cougar Mountain who’s been working in the area for nearly 30 years.

As you drive down Squak Mountain’s winding, country lanes, you’ll see a broad mix of home styles built between the 1960s and early 2000s, including many cozy ranch homes, spacious split-levels and contemporary homes. Many of these homes have large front and rear windows so you’ll have gorgeous views of the surrounding scenery from your living room, bedroom or kitchen. Large lots with generous setbacks and leafy foliage provide residents with plenty of privacy. Although many homes are older, their owners have taken good care of them, making thoughtful upgrades and renovations while retaining the home's original charm. Home prices typically range from $800,000 to upwards of $1.5 million, with larger, newer homes selling for higher prices. “When a home goes on the market here, it’s gone within 30 days, usually less,” Eastern says.

The neighborhood’s residential streets bring you right to the border of Squak Mountain State Park, a sprawling 1,600-acre nature reserve. The park's hiking trails will take you through dense forests rich with pristine streams and moss- and lichen-covered boulders on the way to its 2,000-foot summit. When you get to the top, you’ll have a peek-a-boo view of Seattle in the distance. There are plenty of additional nature parks nearby if you want to mix things up — Tiger Mountain State Forest, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and Grand Ridge Park are all just a short drive away. Small community parks and recreational facilities can be found close by in Olde Town, like Ingi Johnson Park, Gibson Park and the Julius Boehm Pool, a public, indoor swimming pool.

Students can attend stellar local schools including Issaquah Valley Elementary School, Issaquah Middle School and Issaquah High School, all of which hold A-minus rating or better from Niche, an online school review site. Issaquah High is among the top high schools in the state and offers extensive visual and performing arts programming, including several major theater productions throughout the school year.

While there’s no shopping or dining with the neighborhood, it’s bordered by Olde Town Issaquah, the city’s historic downtown. This vibrant, walkable district has a small-town vibe with local eateries, markets and prominent views of rolling ridgelines in the distance. You’ll have more than a few restaurants to choose from: Jak’s Grill is the perfect place for a hearty, steakhouse-style meal, while those in the mood for something spicy might try the enchiladas at Las Margaritas, an authentic Mexican spot. For groceries, you can swing by Sea Town Foods or pick up your produce at Fischer Meats, an old-school butcher shop that opened its doors in 1910. Big box stores and major grocery chains like Safeway, Trader Joe’s, Target, Costco and REI can be found just up the road at a nearby shopping center.

Interstate 90 is about 3 miles north of the neighborhood, making for an easy commute. Hop on the highway and it’s a 20-minute drive from your mountain abode to downtown Seattle, although you might want to plan around rush hour. If you’re looking for a home steeped in nature that's still within reach of the big city, you might consider the slopes of Issaquah's Squak Mountain.

Written By

Daniel Berti

Photography Contributed By

Noah Lubin

Video By

Jordan Sain