The Washington State Department of Natural Resources opened a new trail for mountain bikes Aug. 30 in Tiger Mountain State Forest. The addition of the 2.5-mile-long Off-the-Grid Trail increases the forest’s mountain bike trail system to approximately 15 miles.

“Off-the-Grid Trail is an important addition toward completing what we envision as a high quality, destination mountain bike trail system that offers diverse riding experiences to visitors,” said Sam Jarrett, recreation manager, DNR Snoqualmie Corridor. “Professional DNR trail builders, Puget SoundCorps, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and volunteers all played a key role in making Off-the-Grid Trail a reality.”

The new trail, which connects East Tiger Summit Trail to the top of Fully Rigid Trail, includes machine-built upper and lower segments that are predominantly fast descents, while a hand-built middle traverse provides riders with more of a cross-country riding experience. Along the way, riders will experience rock gardens, berms, rollers, and 120 feet of elevated boardwalk.

DNR’s construction of the Off-the-Grid Trail and other efforts to develop a sustainable and improved network of public recreation trails in Tiger Mountain State Forest are funded through a grant from the state’s Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Program. DNR staff designed and built the new trail with assistance from Puget SoundCorps crews and volunteers. The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance provided trail design feedback.