Squilchuck State Park is a 288-acre park covered with forests of fir and ponderosa pine. The park sits below Mission Ridge at an elevation of 3,200 feet, so it offers winter recreation opportunities.
Squilchuck is a local favorite for hiking, biking, and bird watching in spring, summer, and fall, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The Squilchuck Lodge and a group camp are available for groups of 20 or more from June through September. The lodge is a popular spot for weddings, reunions, and other group activities.
Squilchuck is a seasonal park. Hours are 8:00 am to dusk. The group camp and lodge close Oct. 1. The day-use area closes Nov. 1. Trails remain open pending weather conditions.
If the gate is closed, you may enter on foot (access granted by the State Parks). If you enter when the park is closed:
1. Don't park blocking the gates.
2. A Discover Pass is required where signed.
3. Tread lightly to avoid trail degradation.
Park history: “Squilchuck” is a Native American word meaning “muddy water.” Local tribes once traveled through the area gathering food and hunting. In the early 1900s, this land was owned and farmed by the Weeks family. 
The land became a state park in 1952, and John “Bud” Weeks became the first Squilchuck park ranger, continuing to live and work at the park with his family until his retirement in 1978.
Prior to the construction of Mission Ridge Ski Area, Squilchuck was a popular destination for downhill skiing and had several rope tows. The Squilchuck Lodge was the hub of activity in those days.
The cache: The container is one of Mr. Gadget #2's signature birdhouse puzzles. Finding the cache is the easy part; claiming a find requires you to locate and sign the log. Sorry: No name in the logbook is a No Find for this cache.
You do NOT need to use excessive force to open the cache container; study it and figure out the steps to gain access. Keep in mind the cache is made of wood, and precautions have been used to keep it moisture-resistant, but there always is a chance the wood may draw moisture, causing it to swell and become difficult to open.
|
- This geocache has an approved Permit to be placed at this location on property managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Visitors are responsible for acquainting themselves with policies and rules pertaining to State Parks areas.
- The following items may not be placed in the geocache: food, illegal substances, medications, personal hygiene products, pornographic materials, hazardous materials, or weapons of any type.
- By searching for the cache, visitors agree that they are responsible for their own actions, and acknowledge that neither the State of Washington nor the cache owner is responsible for any loss or injury that may occur in relation to such search.
- Report any incident, problem, or violation to State Parks staff.
|