Raging River State Forest Unveils New Mountain Biking Trails

Raging River State Forest, located southeast of Seattle near Snoqualmie, Washington, has unveiled five new miles of singletrack trails. This development signifies the culmination of a decade-long endeavor led by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and Washington DNR, firmly establishing Raging River as a top-tier mountain biking destination in the Seattle vicinity.

The recent additions to the Raging River State Forest trail system introduce two new descending routes: 'Over and Out' and 'Wild Waves.' 'Over and Out,' an intermediate descent spanning 2.6 miles, is situated on the northern side of the network and offers an alternative to the more challenging 'Poppin Tops' trail. Originally referred to as 'Trail E' during its construction phase, this new path provides a smoother, yet engaging, riding experience, complementing the nearly 1,000-foot elevation gain of the 'Upward Mobility' climbing trail.

'Wild Waves,' another intermediate flow descent, covers 2.5 miles on the southwest side of Raging River. Formerly known as 'Trail C,' this route begins partway up 'Return Policy' and concludes at 'Way Back,' with an estimated elevation drop of around 1,200 feet. These new trails augment the existing technical options, such as 'Executive Decision,' 'Canyon Creek DH,' and the more advanced 'Physical Therapy' and 'Reverence,' creating a comprehensive network that caters to various skill levels, from green to double-black diamond.

The origins of the Raging River trail system trace back to 2009 when the Washington DNR, in collaboration with King County and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, acquired approximately 7,000 acres of former timberland. This land mass eventually expanded to cover about 11,200 acres. By late 2015, construction began with Evergreen, leading to the public opening of the first phase in 2018, which featured over 15 miles of singletrack. The most recent five miles of trails were funded primarily through a Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office grant and state capital investment.

Eddie Espinosa, Executive Director of Evergreen, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind Raging River's success, noting that it exemplifies what a dedicated riding community and land management partners can achieve with a shared vision for recreation and connecting people with nature. Over the past decade, Raging River has emerged as a highly popular trail system in the greater Seattle area, becoming a prominent destination for mountain biking in Washington. Cyclists visiting Raging River are also encouraged to explore nearby Tiger Mountain, conveniently located across Highway 18. Additionally, for those seeking lift-accessed riding, Summit Bike Park at Snoqualmie Pass is just a 30-mile drive east, offering a full week's worth of diverse riding experiences in the Snoqualmie area across these three locations. The grand opening of 'Over and Out' and 'Wild Waves' this Saturday from 12-5 PM will celebrate the completion of this remarkable project.