The celebration will include the official opening of the new Cookie Cutter trailhead and the official designation and signage of trails that EMBA and DNR have developed over the past 7 years. The event represents the culmination of years of planning, collaboration, and phased trail development on Naneum Ridge.

“This project reflects what is possible when strong partnerships come together around a shared vision for sustainable recreation access,” said Jesse Cunningham, Kittitas Program Manager, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. “The Naneum Trail System is designed to serve riders of all abilities and is a valuable asset for the mountain biking community.”

Planning for recreation in the Naneum Ridge State Forest began in 2013, resulting in the Naneum Ridge to Columbia River Recreation Access Plan (2015) to guide development for the next 10-15 years. Multiple recreation stakeholders participated in the planning process, including local mountain biking advocates. 

Early planning and design work for the trail system began following the publication of the recreation plan and was led by EMBA, with a focus on creating riding opportunities for all levels of riders. Trail construction began in 2019, with early work centered on developing trails in the lower “Family Area” and a connector trail to the top of the ridge. 

Key project milestones include:

• Development of main trailhead infrastructure and a campsite
• Completion of Basalt Flow, beginner flow trail (2019) 
• Completion of progressive jump lines and beginner skills area (2022)
• Development of trails on the upper ridge, including a cross country trail and intermediate to advanced downhill trails. 
• Additional ongoing and planned work to support future phases of the system
• Acquisition of funding to complete a new access road (construction scheduled 2026)

The Cookie Cutter Trail System is the result of a strong partnership between EMBA and DNR, supported by additional grants from the Kittitas Stewardship Fund, and fundraising and volunteer efforts by our dedicated mountain biking community. Notably, much of this project has been completed without dedicated funding, with DNR contributing incremental resources, including support from youth corps and fire crews, and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance self-funding trail development through grassroots fundraising and volunteer labor.

"Thanks to a robust partnership with the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, we're so excited to welcome Washingtonians out to this new mountain biking trail system in the Naneum Ridge State Forest," said Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove. "Recreation access like this not only supports our communities' health and economy, but it also reiterates the importance of volunteers and organizations that care about our public lands and work together towards a common goal."

While the grand opening marks a major milestone, additional work remains on the Naneum Ridge system, including continued development of trails on the upper ridge, completion of the Rustler downhill trail, and a current rebuild of the Ellensburg Blue trail.

Once complete, the full system will:

• Expand sustainable mountain biking access in Kittitas County
• Provide new riding opportunities for beginner through advanced users
• Support local recreation-based tourism and economic activity
• Establish a long-term framework for phased trail expansion

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance will continue fundraising and partnership efforts to support Phase 3 development and long-term completion of the trail system vision.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Grand Opening of the Cookie Cutter Trailhead and signage installation across the trail system in the Naneum Ridge State Forest. Ceremony followed by guided hikes and rides.

When: 10am on May 16, 2026

Where: Naneum Ridge State Forest Lower Trailhead

Who: All are welcome to join Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and community partners in celebration.

More information: https://www.evergreenmtb.org/calendar/eventdetail/25560/naneum-cookie-cutter-trails-official-opening

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