It may not always look like it, but the Seattle area has had below average rainfall so far this year.
Mountain bikers bombing down Preston Railroad Trail in 2012
One result is today’s early reopening of mountain biking trails at Tiger Mountain State Forest.
When I was out there last month to ride out to Poo Poo Point on forest roads, the trails were all marked for their usual April 15 reopening. The relative dryness, however, has contributed to conditions that allowed forest managers to reopen the trails early.
Stacy Karacostas, communication director at Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, says that Department of Natural Resources personnel tried to get the trails opened in time for last weekend’s sunny weather, but they were delayed because of high elevation snow, downed trees and some other problems.
The trails newly opened for the season this morning are Iverson Trail, Northwest Timber Trail, and the Preston Railroad Grade Trail, as well as the new East Tiger Summit Trail that was completed last September.
The mountain biking trails can be accessed from the parking lot on Route 18, about four miles south of Interstate 405. Remember to follow rules regarding the Washington State Discover Pass (required for the upper parking lot).
says mountain bikers should remember that early season conditions still exist on some trails.
Also, work parties are needed to build new trails on Tiger Mountain, such as the Silent Swamp Trail with a target date for later this year. Check this link to volunteer.
As for Seattle’s rainfall, we’ve had 8.4 inches so far this year, compared to 13.1 inches average by this date. Of course, rain and showers are in the forecast through Monday.
Recreation information for South Puget Sound Region.
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