DARRINGTON — Nearly 4 miles of mountain biking trails are scheduled to open on North Mountain this summer.
While crews prepare to finish those first few miles, plans for more than 9 additional miles of trails are being reviewed.
The state Department of Natural Resources, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Glacier Peak Institute and town of Darrington have been working to bring a new outdoor attraction to the wilderness near the Snohomish-Skagit county line. More than 20 miles of mountain biking trails eventually could wind their way up North Mountain.
There are few destinations for mountain bikers in Western Washington that are on public land and potentially as expansive, project manager Glenn Glover said.
“The design, from the beginning, was to create a really outstanding recreational experience for mountain biking,” he said.
The plan is to open 3.7 miles of trails this summer. Those paths would be part of the skills area, which consists of the lower elevation trails on North Mountain and offers something for riders of all skill levels.
Similar to ski slopes, the trails are expected to be labeled for beginner, intermediate and expert routes. The skills area is to be a mix of cross-country trails and rock faces with areas to practice jumping.
“The cross-country type trails will go from green, which is the easiest and would be comfortable for anyone with basic bike skills, to the more skilled trails, which are black diamond,” Glover said.
This spring, crews plan to restore the trails after a wet winter and get the routes ready for summer riding. Some of the trails need hardening and rock armoring, and crews need to check how well water is draining down the slopes.
Planners also have submitted designs for 9.2 more miles of trails that would head farther up the west side of North Mountain. Those designs still are under review, though the state so far has found no environmental issues with them or with plans to renovate a forest road and add trailhead parking for about 10 cars.
The designs can be viewed online at tinyurl.com/NorthMtPlans. Comments are being accepted until March 2.
The first 13 miles of trails on North Mountain — including the 4 miles set to open this summer and the 9 miles that are planned — are expected to cost roughly $650,000.
As the project continues, the mountain biking area could be expanded. Eventually, the goal is to have trails that start at about a 600-foot elevation and extend nearly to the North Mountain Lookout at about 3,800 feet.
“The concept would involve the possibility of a trail coming almost off the summit itself,” Glover said.
Higher elevation trails likely would be for intermediate or advanced riders. Beginners should stick to the skills area.
Last year, crews started mapping the terrain and marking routes. They looked for options that would suit all levels of experience. They sought viewpoints and natural changes in terrain for jumps and curves.
About 15 percent of Americans participate in mountain biking, road biking or BMX riding, according to a 2016 Outdoor Participation Report by the Outdoor Foundation.
Biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country, behind jogging and fishing, according to the foundation’s research. Darrington officials have said the North Mountain project is a way to boost local tourism by tapping into an already popular sport.
A firm date for opening the first 4 miles of trails should be decided soon, Glover said.
To keep track of public comment and volunteer opportunities such as work parties, sign up for the project newsletter at dnr.wa.gov/DarringtonMTB.
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.
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