Late last week, the Washington Trails Association (WTA) named their top 10 most endangered hiking trails. Sadly, three of the trails listed are managed by DNR. Not exactly the kind of top 10 list you like to see your name on. But the report is a sobering reminder that many of our state’s hiking trails are suffering from a number of challenges, such as lack of funding for maintenance, a reduction in available grant opportunities, and illegal off-road riding on non-motorized trails.
Which DNR-managed hiking trails ended up on the list?
- Mount Si. Located in eastern King County, this popular trail gets year-round use. It’s proximity to major urban areas and the I-90 corridor makes it easily accessible to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Funding to keep Mount Si open comes primarily from the state general fund. DNR’s Recreation Program nearly lost its general fund appropriation during this year’s legislative session, which would have closed access to Mount Si. Fortunately, the funding remained intact this year. However, we are expecting the upcoming budget session to be even more challenging.
- Mailbox Peak. Short but steep, this trail, also located off I-90 in eastern King County, is a stretch of challenging ground for more ambitious hikers—many of whom use it to train for climbing Mount Rainier. Their reward for reaching the top: an incredible, panoramic view. WTA cites lack of maintenance as the main reason Mailbox Peak is on the list. DNR is currently working to locate a less strenuous route to the top of this peak and has some funds to construct the lower section of the new route. In addition, DNR recently applied for grant funding from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) to construct the remainder of the less-technical trail. The new trail will be easier to keep in good condition.
- Bells Mountain. Located in the Yacolt Burn State Forest in Southwest Washington, Bells Mountain is part of the Chinook Trail. The western portion of the Yacolt Burn contains nearly 170 miles of unauthorized trails that are not maintained and, in some cases, cause erosion or damage habitat. Some of these trails encroach upon the trail up to Bells Mountain. DNR is developing long-term solutions to manage recreation in the Yacolt. The agency recently completed work on a new recreation plan for the western Yacolt Burn. This plan was developed with considerable involvement from the public including representatives from a broad base of user groups. The plan calls for dividing trail systems in the forest into non-motorized and motorized areas. The Bells Mountain Trail is located in the non-motorized section.
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