Darrington offers exceptional mountain biking opportunities.
With an extensive trail system and miles of varied terrain, riders of all abilities can find something to suit their needs.
On March 22, 2014, a landslide covered 49 homes, and claimed the lives of 43 people in Darrington. This is the story of how a natural disaster brought a town together and how mountain biking could bring inspiration back to the youth, and value to the community as a whole.
In partnership with Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, the Darrington community, legislative leaders, and Washington's outdoor recreating public, The Department of Natural Resources is developing a mountain bike trail system on North Mountain.
The North Mountain Bike Trails system offers breathtaking views of Whitehorse Mountain and the Stillaguamish Valley and more than 10 miles of new trails are now open near Darrington offering access to terrain for more experienced riders.
4.5 miles of lower elevation trails in the North Mountain Bike Skills Area offer family-friendly riding year-round and opportunities for beginner and intermediate riders.
For more information visit the Washington State Department of Natural Resources or Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darringtonmtb/
There are a variety of scenic impromptu gravel bike routes from Darrington. These routes take advantage of commonly used open or gated logging roads, and other rough roads. Quality of the surface and maintenance vary greatly, ranging from easy to very difficult. There may be steep grades and/or challenging route finding. GPS recommended, use at your own level of ability to find your way and be safe.
For US Forest Roads, contact Darrington Ranger District for current conditions. There may be creek fords and damaged or overgrown areas that require personal skills to evaluate and that change seasonally.
With so much to discover, we've cued up a few ideas to get you headed in the right direction.
Goat Lake: Follow the Upper Elliot Creek Trail straight ahead from the trailhead. Continue one mile and turn left at the junction to follow the Chockwich Trail.
Bedal: The trail is an old roadbed traversing mid-slope between Bedal Creek and the Upper Elliot Creek Trail. Begin at Bedal Creek Trailhead and cross Bedal Creek in a fourth of a mile at a campsite. The ford can be difficult, especially early in the season. The ford at Chockwich creek can also be difficult in high runoff conditions. Continue downward through big timber, transitioning into small alder groves and openings with views of the upper Sauk Valley until reaching the junction with Upper Elliot Creek Trail 647 at 2,200 feet. Bicycles are only allowed on Upper Elliot Creek Trail. Lower Elliot Creek Trail is not a bike trail and the Goat Lake Trail enters Henry M. Jackson Wilderness where only foot traffic is permitted.
Usage: Light | Best Season: Spring/Summer/Fall | Closest Towns: Darrington, Washington Check current conditions or call Darrington Ranger District office at (360)436-1155 or Verlot Public Service Center at (360)691-7791.
Goat Lake Side Trailhead Access 1: From the Verlot Public Service Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls, WA) travel east on Mt. Loop Highway 22.8 miles to Elliot Creek Road (Forest Service road 4080). Turn right and continue 0.8 miles to the trailhead.
Goat Lake Side Trailhead Access 2: From Darrington Ranger District office travel south along Mt. Loop Highway 20 for 22 miles to Elliot Creek Road (Forest Service road 4080). Turn left and continue 0.8 miles to the trailhead.
Bedal Side Trailhead Access 1: From the Verlot Public Service Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls, WA) travel east on Mt. Loop Highway 26 miles to Forest Service road 4096. Turn right and continue two miles to the trailhead.
Bedal Side Trailhead Access 2: From Darrington Ranger District office travel south along Mt. Loop Highway 20 for 21 miles to Forest Service road 4096. Turn left and continue two miles to the trailhead.
Darrington is place of genuine people, rugged landscape and a community carved by history. Our local identity rests on our relationship with the surrounding environment. Brilliant stars that shine at night can still be admired in a sky framed by snow capped peaks and mountains with native names and stories such as Skadulqwas and SoBalhiAlhi.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is more than a reminder to stay on designated trails, to pack out what we pack in, or to minimize human impact on our natural resources and surroundings. To us, it’s a commitment – some might say an obligation – to preserve and protect, repair and restore, and to leave Mother Nature in a better state than we found it. It’s a way of life for those of us who call Darrington home, and we ask and expect the same from those who visit.
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Thank You
See what others have discovered exploring Darrington and the Stillaguamish-Sauk River Valleys.
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