Washington DNR to Decommission Popular "Exit 27" Mountain Biking Trails Despite Community Outcry

The long-standing "Exit 27" mountain biking trails, a beloved destination for the Seattle community for three decades, are currently facing decommissioning by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This decision, which has sparked significant community opposition and a petition garnering nearly 6,000 signatures, marks a shift in the DNR's strategy from trail development to the enforcement of regulations on unsanctioned routes. Despite the historical significance and dedicated maintenance efforts by local riders, the DNR cites a 2023 environmental study and the completion of new sanctioned trail systems as reasons for dismantling portions of Exit 27.

Community's Fight to Save Historic Trails

For over thirty years, the "Exit 27" trails have been an integral part of the mountain biking scene in the greater Seattle area. These trails, initially developed when sanctioned riding options were scarce, have fostered a strong community and served as a vital training ground for riders of all skill levels, including those aspiring to professional competition. Despite their unsanctioned status, a dedicated group of nearly 300 riders has consistently maintained the trails, logging thousands of volunteer hours annually and engaging in dialogue with DNR officials over the years. The community views these trails as more than just informal paths; they represent a significant cultural and recreational asset that has contributed to the region's vibrant outdoor sports landscape.

The DNR's decision to decommission these trails, particularly those on its property, has been met with considerable dismay and a collective effort to advocate for their preservation. Riders like Sydney Bewernick and Jesse Grissom, an original builder of Exit 27, emphasize the trails' importance for skill progression and community building. They highlight that these routes offer a more advanced challenge than even the most difficult sanctioned trails nearby. The petition, which quickly amassed thousands of signatures, calls for the DNR to pause decommissioning, initiate a public comment period, and consider integrating these valuable trails into the official network, with necessary adjustments for environmental concerns. This community-driven advocacy underscores a deep-seated desire to protect a cherished part of their outdoor heritage from being erased.

DNR's Stance on Unsanctioned Trail Management

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maintains that its actions regarding the Exit 27 trails are a direct consequence of established policy against unsanctioned trail construction on its lands. While acknowledging the community's concerns and the petition with nearly 6,000 signatures, the DNR views the decommissioning as a necessary step to align with its management framework. The agency clarified that this is not a new policy shift but rather an intensification of enforcement, made possible by the completion of sanctioned trail systems like Raging River. This allows the DNR to address environmental impacts identified in a 2023 State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) study, which pinpointed several non-designated trails for removal.

From the DNR's perspective, the proximity of Exit 27 to extensive sanctioned trail networks like Tiger Mountain and Raging River underscores the availability of approved mountain biking opportunities. They argue that allowing unsanctioned trails, regardless of community support or maintenance efforts, undermines their land management policies and potentially jeopardizes environmental protection. While the DNR has engaged with Exit 27 user groups to inform them of the upcoming decommissioning, they confirm that the process is moving forward, starting with signage and the eventual removal of selected lower-use trails. This firm stance highlights the challenge faced by user groups seeking to legitimize historically developed, yet unsanctioned, recreational areas within official land management frameworks.