Frequently Asked Questions
Evergreen classes and camps follow local land manager rules on e-bike usage. If an e-bike is not allowed by land manager rules, we cannot accept them within a class or camp setting.
Some of our teaching locations do not allow e-bikes. E-bikes are not permitted in any of our youth dirt camps.
Those with an ADA placard can use an e-bike in ANY Evergreen program at ANY location.
The following locations are NOT OPEN for e-bikes in our classes:
- Ski Hill, Leavenworth
- King County locations: Duthie Hill, Black Diamond Open Space, Big Finn
- Tiger Mountain
- Raging River
The following locations ARE OPEN for Class 1* e-bike access:
- Port Gamble Heritage Park
- Swan Creek, Tacoma
- Tehaleh, Bonney Lake
- Squilchuck State Park
- Camp Sekani / Beacon Hill, Spokane
*A Class 1 ebike is defined as: E-assist only while pedaling, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Please check with us or the local land manager if you are unsure of e-bike regulations.
Coming to class with an e-bike? Here are some recommendations we have to help you have the best experience:
- Download your manufacturer's app to your phone and learn how to use it.
- Please turn OFF your ebikes pedal assist function. If there is no On / Off, please turn down assistance to ~25%. This feature is what quickly engages the motor and propels the bike forward. Great for on the trail get-go. Terrible for slow and controlled bike/ body skills and drills learning foundations and climbing!
- Turn Down Your Assistance Functions
- Most ebikes have an Eco mode, Trail mode and Turbo mode function or something of the like. Manufacture models will vary.
- Please turn down your assistance to ~25% of the ebikes capacity. This will help account for the weight of the bike but also slow your ebike down to be suitable for skills and drills in a skill park setting. If you need more assistance as the class progresses, you can add more but start small.
- Make sure your ebike battery is adequately charged and not throwing any error codes.
- As a general reminder; Our group classes are specific to singletrack, mountain bike specific skills. This may not be the best suited class for city bike and cross bikes due to trails and safety. Make sure your bike is classified as: Class 1: E-assist only while pedaling, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
- Examples of Class 1 E Assist: Specialized Turbo Levo. Santa Cruz Bullit/ Vala. Pivot Shuttle. Ibis Oso. Transition Relay. Transition Repeater. Cannondale Moterra. Norco Sight VLT. YT Decoy. Evil Epocalypse.
- If you have any ebike related questions, please reach out to Heather at
Yes! Evergreen offers scholarships based on financial need on a first come first served basis.
The funds are intended to cover the registration cost of a camp or class. Other supplies, such as bike and equipment, are the responsibility of the student, however, if lack of equipment is a barrier to participation, please let us know and we will try to accommodate as best we can. Our Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Spokane programs have full bike fleets available and can be used by scholarship participants.
As a a non-profit organization committed to education, Evergreen recognizes the many barriers at play when it comes to mountain biking and outdoor recreation. We're excited to be able to help reduce some of the financial barriers for those looking to enjoy the many benefits that come from spending time outside on a bike.
Grant disbursement is based on applicant need and availability of funds in each chapter. Selection will be determined by a statewide committee in mid-April initially, and then on a rolling basis throughout the rest of the season. If you have any questions, please contact .
We strive to create an inclusive environment for all riders to participate in our classes and camps and will do our best to accomodate riders with disabilities or medical concern. It's best to contact us ahead of time to make sure our staff is prepared and fully understands your needs before you arrive to ride. Please contact us to talk through accomodations.
Participants must must be able to independently steer and brake to participate in our programs.
If you are using an electric assist bike at a King County or DNR property (Duthie, Black Diamond, Big Finn, Raging, Tiger), you need an ADA placard to ride.
In need of an adaptive MTB rental to participate in a class? Contact us and we can help!
We are not set up to support physically aggressive behaviors. If your child struggles with aggressive behaviors, please reach out for private coaching.
Yes. Mountain biking is a rain or shine sport and coaches will take the opportunity to explain how rain can change the dynamics of a trail. Students should be prepared for the weather by bringing a rain jacket.
Classes and camps will be cancelled for severe weather, such as heavy rain, wind or extreme temperatures or air quality. For camps and classes, Evergreen Staff will consult the Washington Department of Ecology website for updates on air quality and heat. If threat levels at specific trail locations are deemed unhealthy (AQI Category 'Unhealthy', over 104*, or another hazard deemed unsafe by Evergreen staff), class will be cancelled.
You will be contacted via email and then phone call if a class or camp is cancelled. If postponing / rescheduling is not an option, we will offer a 75% refund for the total number of cancelled days. These conditions pose a huge threat to outdoor recreation organizations, and we are grateful for your support and understanding.
You do not have to be a member to participate in Evergreen MTB classes. Evergreen members receive a discount on education program classes, clinics, and camps, just one benefit of having a membership. So sign up today and get discounts on future classes and much more! You can go here to join!
No. Students are responsible for supplying their own bike and equipment for all Evergreen classes & camps. Please look into bike shops nearby each class location for rentals and demos.
If lack of equipment is a barrier to participation, please let us know and we will try to accommodate as best we can. Our Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Spokane programs have full bike fleets available and can be used by scholarship participants.
Go to the class calendar and choose the class you’re interested in. Then click the registration button.
Our instructors will notify you by email. We also post cancellations on our schedule page. Please check the schedule if it is raining the day of class.
Memberships created or renewed at events need to be entered into our system manually. So it can take up to a few weeks to get your info into our system. If you’re trying to sign up for a class or receive a member discount, and your membership account is not yet live, please contact us and we can get you set up ASAP.
Not a bit. We have a saying around here: "It ain't the bike, it's the rider." We say that a lot. Honest. That said, your bike should be in good working condition and designed and equipped for off-road use.
The following age criteria applies to all Evergreen class and camp programs unless otherwise stated in the class description.
- Youth: Age 7 - 12
- Teen: Age 13 - 17
- Adult: Age 17+
What to bring:
- Mountain bike - must be functioning correctly with hand brakes and gearing
- Helmet- Must be CPSC or Snell certified. (See label inside of helmet)
- Sturdy shoes-for walking and biking (no open-toed shoes or sandals)
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Snacks and lunch (for full-day programs)
- Bike gloves
- Layers appropriate for the weather
- Platform/flat pedals
Things to check on your bike before class:
- Please remove kickstand prior to class
- Air pressure/Tires: Tire pressure should be between 25 to 35 lbs
- Chain and Drive Train: Look for rust or gummed up areas that may need to be cleaned and lubed
- Brakes: Roll your bike, apply each brake separately checking for stopping ability. Make sure brake pads are not worn out.
For most classes and other events, the registration closes 72 hours prior to the event start.
Cancellation refunds are based on the number of days’ notice given prior to the event. No refunds are available 180 days after purchase and a credit will be issued instead.
Dirt Camps
- 14+ days prior to event: Full refund, less a $35 cancellation fee.
- Fewer than 14 days prior to event: No credit, refunds, or transfers.
Skills Classes
- 14+ days prior to event: Full refund.
- 3-14 days prior to start of class: Credit toward alternate Evergreen class in the same calendar year OR a refund, less a $35 cancellation fee.
- Fewer than 72 hours prior to start of class: No credit, refunds, or transfers.
Other Events (Festival, parties, community events, etc.)
- 7+ days prior to event: Full refund.
- Fewer than 7 days prior to event: No credit or refund.
Acts of Mother Nature (smoke, heat, lightning, etc.)
For camps and classes, Evergreen Staff will consult the Washington Department of Ecology website for updates on air quality and heat. If threat levels at specific trail locations are deemed unhealthy (AQI Category 'Unhealthy', over 104*, or another hazard deemed unsafe by Evergreen staff), class will be canceled.
We will reach out to all families, first via email then via phone call, by 8:00AM to cancel camp for the day. If your child has additional health concerns or sensitivities and must be withheld from camp, please let us know as soon as possible.
If a postponement / reschedule is not possible, we will offer a refund of 75% for the total number of canceled days. These conditions pose a huge threat to outdoor recreation organizations, and we are grateful for your support and understanding.
You should have a mountain bike, designed for offroad use, for all classes and camps. A 'cross' bike or ‘hybrid’ bike can work in a pinch, but does not offer the stability of a mountain bike.
The general requirements for a bike are:
- In good working order
- Gears required
- Front suspension recommended
- 2 hand brakes are required (no coaster or backpedalling brakes)
- No training wheels
- Kickstand removed
Evergreen classes and camps follow local land manager rules on e-bike usage. If an e-bike is not allowed by land manager rules, we cannot accept them within a class or camp setting. Please check with us or the local land manager if you are unsure of e-bike regulations.
Those with an ADA placard can use an e-bike in any Evergreen program.
The majority of our classes in King County take place at King County’s Duthie Hill Bike Park in Issaquah, but we also offer classes at King County's Black Diamond Natural Area and Big Finn Hill Park, along with the City of Redmond's Bike Park/Hartman Park. In addition in to this, we have an education program at Swan Creek Park in Tacoma. Please check specific class listings for exact location. We also offer classes through some of our Regional Chapters including Evergreen Central in Wenatchee and Evergreen East in Spokane.
Every child participant must submit Evergreen's Youth Waiver in order to participate in any Evergreen class, camp, or event. To help make this process easier and more accessible, you can now fill out and submit the Evergreen Youth Waiver electronically! Fill out the waiver here.
You can park at Duthie's brand new parking lot that King County recently completed! It is located at 26150 SE Issaquah-Fall City Rd, just off of Duthie Hill Road. Please arrive 15 minutes early so we can start class promptly.
Which Evergreen class is right for me?
Please read through each description carefully to determine the best class for you. Still unsure? Feel free to reach out us at
Class Levels
Please note that these levels differ from our dirt camp programs.
Beginner: Level 1 - 2 (Foundations 1, Foundations 2, Private Lessons)
Intermediate: Level 2 - 3 (Progression Sessions, Cornering Clinic, Private Lessons)
Advanced: Level 4+ (Technical Descending, Intro to Drops & Jumps, Private Lessons)
Level Descriptions
Level 1:
- Little to no time spent on dirt trails but comfortable balancing on and operating basic bike controls (brakes & shifting) on smooth or paved paths
- You are comfortable riding around the neighborhood on your bike but maybe not comfortable with steeper grades both ascending and descending. You can shift and brake well while riding but want to branch off from riding on the streets and get your bike dirty on some mountain bike trails!
- Physically able to ride consistently for 1-2 hours at a time (with breaks), or about 4-6 miles and less than 1000ft of gain
Level 2:
- Have been mountain biking several times but haven't pushed yourself farther than most of the greens at your local trailhead.
- You are comfortable with riding on dirt trails at moderate grades up and downhill.
- You've started to branch out from the easiest terrain at the local trailhead but are still feeling a bit nervous committing to most blue trails and anything steeper or with technical features.
- Physically able to ride consistently for 1-2 hours at a time (with breaks), or about 4-6 miles and less than 1000ft of gain
Level 3:
- 1-3 years of experience riding a bike on mountain bike trails.
- Feel comfortable on most green and some blue trails but might still be getting stuck on features like corners, steeper sections, roots or rocks. You’re not yet comfortable with air.
- Physically able to ride consistently for 2-3 hours at a time (with breaks), or about 5-8 miles and less than 2000ft of gain
Level 4:
- Consistent time on a mountain bike over multiple seasons. You regularly ride 1+ times / week during the season
- Feel comfortable on greens and blues and might be starting to ride some blacks but still need to walk more technical or steeper sections. Might be starting to play with getting air but not sure of the mechanics of drops & jumps yet.
- Physically able to ride consistently for 2-3 hours at a time (with breaks), and about 8-10 miles and ~1500ft of gain
Someone riding above these levels may be best suited for a private lesson. Or you might make a great volunteer instructor to help teach our programs! Reach out to if you’re interested in learning more.