Lake History
The following history of several ferry boats on Squak Lake was taken from article
Squak Country - The Issaquah Press,
Wed., Feb. 3, 1971 - Page 9 (S-7). Various
accounts of history show that ferries listed below "had been preceded by other vessels
which filled needs of the growing area around Squak Lake. It is known that during 1864,
and perhaps even earlier, coal, having been discovered in the area about 1862, was poled
down Squak Lake in Indian canoes." - Harriet Fish
- 1876 - The Mudhen, a side wheeler made only one trip through the Squak Slough
because her wheels became entangled in the reeds and grasses and proved this type
of ship to be impractical for such narrow and overgrown waterways. There is some
evidence, however, that she stayed in Squak Lake for a period of time to do duty to
the passengers and freight up and down the lake.
- 1876 - Jennie June, a propeller drive boat began plying up and down the
lake also. It served a variety of freight requirements and work loads there for several
years. Boats of this type rarely had a schedule but would go in any direction where a
paying load could be handled.
- 1880s - The Squak, a twin screw steam scow, engaged in general towing
and freighting on somewhat regular trips from Laurel Shade Landing on the J.J.
McGilvary property just south of the Madison Park, on up to the head of that
lake (Washington) and then up the entire length of Squak Slough into Squak Lake
and then the full length of the lake to Brunk's Landing.
- 1880's - The Vixen ran on Squak Lake for quite a period of time and
during the railroad strike, transported passengers across the south end of the
lake from Geise Landing, east of the State Park area to Brunk's Landing on the west.
- Late 1880s into the 1890s - The Bee supporting railroad facilities
being constructed during that time. "The Green Years" tells of the 30 mile section
along the Squak River Slough.
- 1890s - The Alki not only carried groceries, but needed equipment,
parts, special orders of many kinds and in the case of a casket, its captain
William Francis Brown, helped the men carry it on their shoulders, over the
hilly trails to Snoqualmie." - Harriet Fish, Chugging Away on Lake Sammamish,
The Issaquah Press, Wed., Nov. 8, 1978. Pictures of this vessel can be seen
in Fall City, In the Valley Of The Moon by Peggy Corliss.
If you would like to know more, follow these links below or consider reading
Pacific Steamboats by Newell and Williamson.
 Back to Lake History Page
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