Hikers, mountain bikers cautioned on trail use after snow, water events

Spring is here and many folks are itching to for the opportunity to visit their favorite hiking or mountain biking trails. However, the Central Washington Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is asking people to wait a little longer before using the trails - as least until the soil is dry. 

The Leavenworth Ski Hill is one of many trails systems across central Washington impacted from the late snow and rain showers. While the Lower Rosie Boa and For The Boys trails are open for use, the Rosie Boa, Uphill Trail and Freund Trail are currently closed. Outside of Leavenworth, areas like the No. 2 Canyon, Devil's Gulch and Mountain Home are closed to due to snow. 

Leavenworth Winter Sports Club's Marketing and Administrative Director Alex Brieger explained that riding or walking on wet trails on the Leavenworth Ski Hill and other areas will leave bike tread ruts or foot step holes. These indentations in the trail will collect water and create erosion and damage the trail. 

Brieger noted that the soil in eastern Washington is different than the western side of the state in that it contains a lot of clay, which is slippery when wet, but dries hard.

“So these footstep holes and bike tread ruts then dry in this shape and create a very hazardous tread surface to ride or walk on (and could result in) twisted ankles, getting your tire caught and falling over," Brieger said. "In the case of snow on trails, riders and walkers will use one side of the trail. These trails are pretty narrow and by walking on the outside of the trail, it begins to fall away. This is very hard to repair.”

LWSC is is a member of the Central Washington Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, one of the chapters of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, a statewide nonprofit organization. Brieger said the LWSC is a member of the organizations’ Central chapter, which focuses on building and maintaining trails in Leavenworth, Wenatchee and Lake Chelan. While the chapter mainly advocates for mountain bike trails, they also build trails for multi-use, including running, walking and hiking and biking.

Brieger said the chapter has a staff of about five paid trail builders and mostly relies on volunteers to conduct trail maintenance, which encompasses treadwork, brushing, clearing trees, big rocks and debris that have fallen into a trail. The chapter has projects throughout the region, including the Leavenworth Ski Hill, the No. 2 Canyon, Sage Hills, Squilchuck State Park, Devils Gulch And Echo Ridge.

He noted that cost of repairing a trail depends on the damage and what is needed to fix it. Crews will use tools and excavators to aid them in their work.

“It’s also tricky in that because the soil is clay, we have to do maintenance when it’s moist, so timing is a big part of it,” Brieger said. “The longer we can keep users off the trails until they are dry, we can get in and fix the seasonal damage from winter, and then get to building new trails.”

If someone finds damage to a trail, Brieger said they can use the contact page on the Central Washington Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance's website. They can also reach out to him directly at alexb@evergreenmtb.org, or write a message on the group’s Facebook page.

“This is really helpful as we get wind events and trees fall because we can't ride all the trails and know which ones have damage,” Brieger added.

Brieger said it may take up to two weeks for the closed trails to open to the public. He added that visitors should not use trails after a rainstorm and recommends hikers and bikers check weather and trail conditions on the Central Washington Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance's website. Folks can also visit the Freund Creek Trail report page on the Trailforks website, which is generated from hikers and mountain bikers.

“As trails are open, if it rains, it’s important to stay off the trails until they dry,” Brieger added, “Our rule of thumb is if the pavement in front of your house, including all puddles, is dry then they trails should be good to go. Weather changes, it’s OK to turn around.”

Brieger said the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance’s Central Washington Evergreen Mountain Bike Aliance is always seeking volunteers to help with work parties and other area projects. The chapter meets on the third Wednesday of every month at Milepost 111 in Cashmere at 6:30 p.m. Folks can also become a member of the oganization for $35 a year.

For more information about volunteering or becoming a member, visit the organization's website.