‘My happy place.’ Mountain biking group works to grow Tri-Cities trail system
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Mountain bikers seek a permanent, sanctioned trail system in Tri-Cities area
- Benton County eyes 270-acre DNR land near I-82 for official trail development
- Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance leads advocacy, planning and volunteer efforts
On most mornings mountain bikers can be found flying across vast fields of sagebrush in the Tri-Cities. As local popularity of the sport grows, a group of enthusiasts are helping bring more riders into the fold.
Just off Interstate 82 near the Southridge and Canyon Lakes neighborhoods in Kennewick, trails have been cut through hundreds of acres of undeveloped land.
The “State Patrol Trails,” named for their proximity to the local Washington State Patrol office, aren’t part of an official park. They criss-cross parcels held by dozens of owners, some with plans for future development.
These rough trails give mountain bike riders a safe place to cut loose without having to worry about crossing paths with cars, hikers or children at parks along other popular Tri-Cities recreation areas.
While the goal is always to have multi-use trails, the high speed and jumps or obstacles that make a trail fun for mountain biking, might mean hikers or equestrians need to exercise caution.
Blazing new trails
Julie Nelson, president of the Columbia Basin chapter of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, said she feels like a superstar when she gets out on the trail to cut loose after a bad day or hard week.
She began biking in college when she couldn’t afford a car, but after having her second daughter she took the hobby off-road.
“Mountain biking just became my happy place where I can be alone or hang out with my friends. It’s a challenge, it’s like riding a roller coaster,” she said. “It feels like home, but when I’m really laying a trail, it feels like I’m Scarlett Johansson or Black Widow.”
Her daughters enjoy mountain biking as well, but they often have to go out of town to find suitable trails for the whole family.
“I try to bring them out to the trails, but the only trails out here that are appropriate for them are boring for me, so we have to go out of town where there are bike parks where we can all have fun,” she said.
A home for mountain biking
The desire for trails that riders of all ages and skill levels can enjoy has helped spark a push for permanent, sanctioned and supported mountain biking trails in the Tri-Cities.
“If we had an actual sanctioned mountain bike trail system, where the trails could be designed to be progressive, where you can have trails that are built for beginners, trails that are built for intermediate and advanced and then you have obstacles along the way that are designed to teach, that’s something we could really use,” she said.
A bike park, which is a like a compact version of a trail system with obstacles to help riders learn, is also on their wish list.
With the prospect of future development looming, Benton County is currently working to secure Department of Natural Resource land for an official mountain biking area. The county has hosted public meetings and prepared an application due by the end of September.
If it works out, about 270 acres between Badger Road and Interstate 82 could become their new mountain biking home. That land would also double as habitat preservation for the county.
There are two other nearby parcels that could eventually add hundreds more acres if the county were able to work out further deals with the state and DNR.
Evergreen Mountain Biking Alliance would help plan the trail system and coordinate volunteers to maintain it.
Development plans for the State Patrol Trails area will likely kick off as the Southridge area grows and Kennewick is able to bring in more land under the Growth Management Act.
More than 1,200 acres on the other side of the interstate is being teed up for future industrial growth.
“We know this (land) will be developed,” Nelson said. “We will lose this area, that’s why we’re looking for a permanent home for mountain bike trails.”
Nelson said the best way to help support that effort is to join their organization.
The club is also doing a membership drive in September, which comes with extra benefits for new participants. The Columbia Basin chapter is one of nine in the state, making up the largest statewide mountain bike association in the nation.
“Our aim is really to make a better community for everybody,” Nelson said. “There are a lot of people who would enjoy trails even if they're not mountain bikers. A mountain bike trail system is always open for multi-use.”
“We’re also looking out for our youth who need adrenaline-filled activities to get them outside and keep them healthy. We just want Tri-Cities to be a good place to live.”
Sharing the trails
Nelson hopes that by having a hand in helping the county steward future land for trails, they’ll be able to cut in routes that work for everyone not just more advanced riders.
Sharing trails also means being mindful of other people enjoying nature.
“With the limited number of trails in our area, there are conflicts between user groups,” she told the Tri-City Herald. “So we try to emphasise that we should be courteous, kind and civil with whomever you meet on the trail.”
“As a general rule of thumb I just try to make sure that I’m not scaring anybody. If you’re coming up behind someone, always let them know. Slow down when you’re passing someone. Remember to say please and thank you.”
Getting started is easy: All you need is a helmet and a bike. While knee and elbow pads are optional, Nelson said the more popular riding areas are on soft ground.
“The most important thing, besides a helmet and a good bike, is building your skills progressively and having patience with yourself as you do so,” Nelson said. “Keep on practicing, and be willing to take it easy on the intimidating obstacles until you feel ready.”
Current trail access might also mean parking in unpaved areas. Riders should be mindful that the State Patrol Trails are on private property and the owners can choose to restrict access.
For more information, visit EvergreenMTB.org
This story was originally published September 23, 2025 at 12:28 PM.
