Island Riding: Vashon’s New MTB Loops
If you’re a Puget Sound rider who loves fun trails, island lifestyle, and scenic ferry rides—we know where you were last weekend: the Dockton Forest Mountain Bike Trails Grand Opening!
Thanks to the joint efforts of the Vashon Mountain Bike Association, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, King County Parks, and volunteers, the Dockton Forest Trail builders went from breaking ground to biking the new 2.5 mile skill building trail system in less than a year.
On April 22, families, Vashon Island residents, and riders from across the water celebrated the opening of a beginner and intermediate loop in King County’s Dockton Forest.
After a short ceremony by Project Program Manager Butch Lovelace of King County Parks, Program Director Larry Dubois of VMBA, and Executive Director Yvonne Kraus of Evergreen, participants enjoyed some expert BBQing by VMBA board member Brian Starr and LOTS of riding!
“One thing we do when building trail is to focus on a progressive design,” said Evergreen Crew Chief Brandon Elizaga “You can take your kids out here and have a great time, but also really push yourself on the same trail—it’s all about how you want to ride it.”
Built with that concept in mind, the Dockton Forest MTB Trails feature one beginner loop (consisting of Gravel Grinder, Erratic, and UFO), and one intermediate loop (made up of Feeder Line, Chairlift, Bumpy Monkey, Flying Monkey, Dr. Jekyll, and Mr. Hyde), with both loops offering learning opportunities for newer riders, while the intermediate loops are equipped with fun berms and small jumps for the more advanced.
“This actually started several years ago when kids would go out in the woods and build their own trails,” remembers Larry Dubois “then Dave Warren from Vashon Island Forest Stewards identified this growing need and contacted several of us mountain bikers—who eventually became VMBA—and by 2013 we’d started official talks with the county.”
VMBA’s work paid off and was awarded a $75,000 grant from King County Parks for the project. VMBA then consulted with Evergreen on design and implementation techniques.
“This has been an amazing project to be part of,” said Yvonne Kraus after finishing her own ride of “Bumpy Monkey.” “this community is so passionate about these trails and the fun-factor they offer to riders of all ages and abilities. We appreciate King County’s support and the joint vision of Vashon Island Forest Stewards and the Vashon Island Mountain Bike Association.”
Despite its growth in popularity, the ride area retains its distinctly Vashon roots (Vashon resident Hedy Anderson at the sent down a box of homemade caramels from the Farmer's Market for the occasion).
“That’s is one of the special things about this place, “ says Dave Warren “it’s still very much Vashon Island—but now we’ve got this place for all riders on the island to enjoy for years to come.