During Phase 1, the Kittitas Chapter built the Upper Big Sandy Trail (UBST). We also proposed building an alternate line to Lower Big Sandy Trail (LBST) that would create a true two-way trail bypassing the very steep sections at the bottom of LBST. However, with our focus on finishing UBST for the past two years, we were never able to put resources towards LBST-ALT and the project languished.

This spring, we received approval from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to re-start work on LBST-ALT. Corridor clearing began in April with help from a BackCountry Horsemen saw team and in May we contracted with Tamarack Trailbuilders to dig the trail.

The initial dig is complete, and there has been one finishing pass made on the trail. The plan is to let the trail settle in over the winter and then make a final finishing pass in the spring before we open the trail. The lower section of the existing LBST trail (the section above the river) will be kept open as a downhill-only trail. The section of LBST above will be shifted onto the new trail line.

We would like to call out our partner organizations, WTA, Mountains to Sound Greenway, and Backcountry Horsemen for the help and resources they provided to finish this project!

Work also started this spring on the first Phase 2 trail: A re-route of the trails called Adenauer Forst/Windy Ridge on Trailforks. The new trail route eliminates the steep, rutted and rocky moto line that drops off UBST, bypasses the old roadbed section in favor of singletrack, and moves the existing trail off private property. The new trail will be approximately 2.2 miles when complete and 100% singletrack from top to bottom.

This trail will be an excellent addition to the TCF system.

The route drops off UBST and will be a fun ride through forests and meadows, across sandstone, and past interesting rock formations. There are fantastic views to be enjoyed from top to bottom.

So far, we have about 1 mile of corridor clearing completed. Clearing has stopped for the summer as the Industrial Fire Protection Level (IFPL) has moved to level 3 (no power tools allowed).

We have enough trail cleared that we hope to be able to start digging in the fall – look for work parties!

After we finish the new Windy Ridge trail, the next Phase 2 projects planned are:

• Re-route of the River Ridge trail off private property
• Building a new trail near Dingbat creek to give access to Mammoth Rock and Exclamation Rock

The Teanaway Trail plan has five phases in total.

Future work includes more connecting singletrack to eliminate road riding, and another connection to the Cle Elum Ridge in the vicinity of Brass Monkey. 

Check out the full trail plan here. 

Hope to see you at work parties this fall!

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Written by Brian Crowley, Kittitas Chapter