Category: Mountain Biking
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September 22 is World Car-Free Day!
World Car-Free Day is an annual challenge to discourage the use of private vehicles and encourage other transportation alternatives. Celebrated all around the world (it’s in the name), the event was established to highlight the environmental impact of car emissions. Also, in Washington state, this day coincides with the Week without Driving Challenge, organized by Disability…
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Two Taylor Mountain trail bridges checked off the ‘To Do’ list
Last week, King County Parks wrapped up construction on the project to install two new trail bridges at Taylor Mountain Forest. Part of our effort to improve trail sustainability and protect the forest and salmon habitat, this work replaced old, undersized culverts along gravel maintenance roads that make up part of the park’s trail system.…
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How are we doing?
King County Parks is updating our King County Open Space Plan: Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas, which provides the policy framework for King County’s acquisition, development, stewardship, management, and funding of our 32,000-acre open space system. It’s a functional plan of the King County Comprehensive Plan and must be updated every six years. As part…
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Construction update: Taylor Mountain Trails
Pardon our dust, we’re building 2 new bridges! If you’ve been to Taylor recently, you might’ve noticed some things happening in the parking lot and along Road A and some other trails. That’s because construction is underway to install two new bridges that will replace old, undersized culverts on the gravel road system. Once this…
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How much do our kids play? Not as much as you think. And here’s what we’re doing about it.
On Tuesday, September 10, we were excited to release the analysis and recommendations from a two-year effort conducted by the University of Washington’s Center for Leadership in Athletics and The Aspen Institute, in coordination with King County Parks and many other partners. The study, called the State of Play: Seattle-King County, found that less than…
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Dockton Forest Mountain Bike Park – Now Open
Great turnout. Great partners. Great community. Thank you Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and Vashon Mountain Bike Association. To learn more about the partnership(s) that helped make this happen, see our press release. Follow this link if you’d like to see more photos.
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Moss Lake and the Sphagnum Bog
Moss Lake is a wonderful little spot located in the foothills of the cascades. This sphagnum bog (click for a definition of “sphagnum bog” ) offers an amazing variety of plants and wildlife all within 370 acres. I highly recommend making the drive out to this little hidden gem to explore. The variety of ways…
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Taking care of our forests: Black Diamond, Ravensdale Retreat and Henry’s Ridge
King County Parks estimates that about 25,000 of our 28,000 acres of open space are covered by forests. In some places, our forests are vast canopies of big ol’ evergreens, loads of ferns, and happy critters all around. Many times, however, our forests have had a checkered past. They became “ours” because the land had…
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#OptOutside in 28,000 Acres
Today is as good as any other to be outside. Yesterday should have given you plenty of motivation, as well as pie, and more than likely, regrets. Come on out and run, walk, hike or play out in Your Big Backyard. We don’t have to have awkward political conversations out here. #OptOutside
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Friday – Avoid the #mallbrawl, #OptOutside with us
Our friends over at REI condensed our mantra into a hashtag. Words to live by. Also the hashtag that can spare you mall jail. You know. Yer all enjoying your pumpkin spice latte, with your 60 inch 4K TV on your shoulder, when some joker brushes past you and he’s got the gall to grab the last 3D-printing-self-replicating-housekeeping-drone…
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Short Trips for a Long Weekend
Get out for a hike or bike ride this Labor Day weekend and visit one of King County’s 175-miles of our Regional Trails System.
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Check out the beautifully crafted wetland viewing platform at Island Center Forest
A new wetland viewing platform has been installed at the Island Center Forest Natural Area on Vashon Island. Visitors can park at the 188th St. Trailhead and walk less than 100 yards from the parking lot to access the platform. Special thanks to our Backcountry Trail Crew for their hard work and creativity in building…
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Inspiration for your three-day weekend: explore Soaring Eagle Park!
Take advantage of this three-day weekend and hike Soaring Eagle Park! Celebrate the red, white and blue by enjoying the gorgeous weather and the great outdoors. Soaring Eagle Regional Park is 600 acres of mature forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. The park features 12 miles of trails that are regularly used by hikers, mountain bikers…
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Volunteer Opportunity 6/25: Duthie Hill Park
Calling all kindred spirits! We are in need of volunteers this Saturday, 6/25 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m at Duthie Hill Park. Volunteers will be helping with invasive plant removal in the planting areas around the main parking lot. Families, individuals and groups are welcome. Contact Lina Rose, Volunteer Program Coordinator, for more information…
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Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival June 11-12th 2016 at King County’s Duthie Hill Park
It’s time for the annual Evergreen Mountain Bike Festival at King County’s Duthie Hill Park. It’s TWO DAYS this year which means more venders, demos, skill clinics and beer than ever before! Check out the list of vendors and demo fleets attending. This is an event for the whole family so bring your munchkins to…
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3 underappreciated trails to check out on National Trails Day!
June 4 is National Trails Day and needless to say, we’re hyped. Take this day to get outside and explore the diverse trails in King County. Here are three underappreciated trails that need a little love: Spring Lake / Lake Desire Park Meander along the 3 miles of trails between Spring Lake and Lake Desire.…
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Happy Bike Everywhere Day: Weezer AND Panic! at the Disco Concert Ticket Giveaway.
Help us celebrate one of the nation’s most extensive multi-use networks with more than 175 miles of trails for recreation and non-motorized mobility and commuting. On Friday, May 20, it’s the annual F5 Bike Everywhere Day organized by Cascade Bicycle Club. People from across King County will be hopping on their two-wheelers to show their…
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Learn more about Dockton Forest mountain bike trail plan at Nov. 17 community meeting
Where: the cafeteria of Vashon High School, 20120 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon. When: Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Come hear what King County Parks representatives and the Vashon Mountain Bike Association have to say about the proposed mountain biking trails throughout Dockton Forest. Community members are invited to share their feedback and ideas…
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New MTB trails in the works at the Black Diamond Open Space
On October 14, an REI work party began the process of creating new mountain bike trails in the Black Diamond Open Space with our partner Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. These trails will be a new hub in South King County for fat tire enthusiasts and home to the Washington Student Cycling League, a non-profit organization…
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Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day 2015 @ Duthie Hill Park
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day 2015 @ Duthie Hill Park This Saturday, Oct. 3, come on out to King County’s Duthie Hill Park for Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day 2015. All ages (tots to teens) and skill levels are welcome; you just need a working bike and helmet! Whether you’re little one is…
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Duthie’s Dry As Dirt – Ride With Caution
It’s all dried up people. We have posted signs on site asking folks to be careful, and mindful of the current conditions. Evergreen, our amazing steward, has posted some tips and tricks for riding in this current climate. Please check them out, and be safe.
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I’m Yelling Timber!
“You better move, you better dance” twangs Ke$ha; but at Timber! Outdoor Music Festival you better kayak, mountain bike, swim, stargaze and hike as well. Yes, the name often prompts teeny-boppers to break into high-pitched chorus but Timber! Outdoor Music Festival is so much more than a catchy song; it’s an all-encompassing weekend celebrating the…
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Random photo post: Grand Ridge boardwalk
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Duthie Hill parking lot coming along…
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Timber! Outdoor Music Fest 2014
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2014 Duthie Hill Mountainbike Festival
To see more photos of the event, visit
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Kid Pump Track in the pursuit of happiness and a little dirt
She prides herself on how long she can run the course of the pump track at King County’s Duthie Hill Park as she progressively gets better and better with practice. These days, the young ones – both girls and boys – are turning up for spins through the dirt like never before. Kids want to…
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Geared up, triple packed and ready to ride!
Meet Dad Mountain Biker! Favorite Trail at Duthie Hill Park: Bootcamp Favorite Pre-ride Music: Macklemore Frequently Overused Phrase: “That’s hip!” Favorite Critical, but Non-essential Gear: Lip balm The multiple bikes and gear are packed inside, outside and on top of the car, double checked and the thrill is written all over Dad Mountain Biker’s face…
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If Timber! tickets fall in the woods, do they make a noise?
Looking to experience the Timber! Outdoor Music Festival for free? Who isn’t, tickets are selling fast, so we thought we’d show you some love. Tell us what your favorite memory, or summertime activity is, in one of our parks. This means simply comment on this post (in whichever media you find it in). We will…
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Are you still around?
Are you still around these parts this holiday weekend? Well, the weather forecast looks good, so we here at King County Parks suggest you take a little “staycation” and go tour your big backyard! No shortage of things to explore, just a hop skip and bike pedal away. May we offer some suggestions? Why of…