Willamalane opens Thurston Hills Natural Area Mountain Bike Trails

The mountain bike trails at Thurston Hills Natural Area are open for riding as of Tuesday, May 28. One trail, Super Maple, remains closed while maintenance work is completed.

The Peter DeFazio System of Trails at Thurston Hills Natural Area contains four downhill-only biking trails ranging from beginner to expert-level riding, and four shared hiking and uphill biking trails. These downhill-only trails, Acer Spades, Super Maple, Yew Haw, and Chinquapin Chutes, close during the rainy season and reopen in late spring/early summer each year for dry-weather riding.

Due to the landscape and soil composition, Willamalane urges riders to avoid the trails when they are wet and muddy to preserve their condition. Riding while conditions are wet and muddy carves out deep ruts that hold water and prevent the trail from drying out completely.

To help preserve the trails and for the safety of hikers and bikers, hiking is not permitted on downhill-only bike trails, even when the trails are closed to bikes. These bike trails are thoughtfully maintained by Willamalane staff and volunteers. This winter, members of Disciples of Dirt dedicated more than 140 hours to clearing debris and repairing trail damage from the January ice storm. The trails would not have been able to open so soon if it weren’t for their hard work and care for the trails they love.

In addition to riding the trails at Thurston Hills Natural Area, Willamalane is offering more opportunities for mountain bike enthusiasts this summer, including an Adult Skills Clinic (ages 16+), Jr. Mountain Biking Outdoor Camp (ages 8-11), and Beginner Trail Rides in July and August. Learn more and register at willamalane.org/activities.