Evergreen MTB asks riders to stay off oversaturated trails across Western Washington

Western Washington mountain bikers are of well-accustomed to riding in soggy conditions, so many riders are surely itching to get out on the trails. But the recent rains across the region, including many of the most popular mountain biking areas, have been exceptional in volume. Natural areas are not just soggy, many are at high risk of slides and washouts.

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance sent a rare note to its vast mountain biking community asking folks to stay off impacted trails across the region. Conditions must be very serious for Evergreen to tell people not to go mountain biking. I cannot recall another time Evergreen has sent such a message, but the scale of these flooding and slide events are not normal.

Giving the trails time to recover is one of the most meaningful ways you can show up for your local riding community right now," wrote Evergreen MTB in an email blast. Extreme weather like this doesn't just affect trails today - it shapes what riding looks like months from now. Heavy rain, flooding, and saturated soils can compromise drainage, destabilize tread, and undo years of careful trail work. If damage isn't addressed properly, small issues can turn into long-term problems that affect spring openings, summer access, and overall trail quality."

Evergreen not only advocates for mountain biking and mountain bike education, they also build trails and coordinate volunteers for trail maintenance. They know that after this major weather even finally ends and land is allowed to return to more normal levels of sogginess, a lot of trail will need significant work to get back into a safe and rideable condition. So folks should also be ready to answer their calls for volunteers when the time comes.

More details from Evergreen MTB:

We know many of you are eager to get outside, ride where you can, and help where you can. Right now, though, much of Western Washington is experiencing heavy flooding, and it's impacting trails across the region.

Out of concern for the safety of our community and the long term health of the trails we love we're asking riders to please stay off the impacted trails for now.

Flooding has caused mudslides, downed trees, washouts, and unstable trail surfaces in many areas. Riding in these conditions is hazardous and can also create damage that takes months (or longer) to repair.

Giving the trails time to recover is one of the most meaningful ways you can show up for your local riding community right now.

What happens next - and why it matters

Extreme weather like this doesn't just affect trails today - it shapes what riding looks like months from now.

Heavy rain, flooding, and saturated soils can compromise drainage, destabilize tread, and undo years of careful trail work. If damage isn't addressed properly, small issues can turn into long-term problems that affect spring openings, summer access, and overall trail quality.

As conditions stabilize, Evergreen's professional trail builders and volunteer crews will begin coordinated assessments across the state. Some trails will rebound quickly. Others will need deliberate repair - rebuilding drainage, stabilizing slopes, clearing debris and fallen trees, and restoring tread so trails are safer, sustainable, and ready for the season ahead.

This is exactly the kind of moment Evergreen exists for. Our role is to:

• Coordinate statewide recovery efforts with land managers
• Deploy skilled builders where impact is greatest
• Support volunteers with tools, guidance, and resources
• Ensure repairs are done right - protecting trails for the long term

How you can help right now

We know riders want to show up when it matters - and this is one of those moments. Here's how you can be part of the solution:

If you're in a community that's been impacted, first, check in with your neighbors and help with continued flood mitigation efforts.

• Give the trails time: Staying off saturated trails right now is one of the most impactful things you can do to prevent long-term damage.
• Support recovery work: Your donation helps Evergreen prepare for what comes next - from damage assessments to hands-on repair once conditions allow.
• Back the crews who do the work: Contributions support professional trail builders and volunteer crews who will be clearing debris, rebuilding drainage, stabilizing tread, and safely reopening trails.

If you're able, support trail recovery and stewardship: evergreenmtb.org/donate.