DNR Plans to Expand Recreation in the Snoqualmie Corridor

A view from Tiger Mountain, one area that could see expanded access under a new recreation plan. Photo by Joy.

Outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes will soon enjoy new access opportunities on 120 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails in the Snoqualmie Corridor as part of a recently-released recreation plan.

Last week, the Washington Department of Natural Resources released the Snoqualmie Corridor Recreation Plan, which will help ensure outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy this area for years to come.

The corridor includes some of the most popular hiking trails around Puget Sound, including Tiger Mountain, Middle Fork Snoqualmie, Mount Si and Rattlesnake Mountain.

Hikers could benefit from some of the recommendations in the plan, including:

• Developing Exit 20, the main Tiger Mountain trailhead, as a gateway to the Snoqualmie Corridor. This is already a popular access point to Tiger 3 and Tradition Plateau.
  
• Expand existing Tiger Summit Trailhead.
• Locate, design, and develop a new trailhead for mountain biking access in the north end of Raging River State Forest. Access will also be included for horseback riding and hiking.
• Build a new trailhead on the south side of the Mount Si NRCA for hiking access to trails around Mount Teneriffe.
• Provide a new Granite Creek Trailhead for hiking access to the Granite Creek Trail.
• Develop a mountain biking and hiking trail connection from the community of Preston to the Tiger Mountain and Raging River State Forests.

“The Snoqualmie corridor is one of the most cherished landscapes in Washington state, and one we have worked with recreation and conservation groups to protect,” Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark said in a news release. “This plan gives us a compass to guide how we manage this treasure.”

The plan was developed with guidance from local recreation groups and will guide DNR activities in the region for the next 10 to 15 years, helping adapt to growing demand for outdoor recreation opportunities. Currently, about 800,000 people recreate in the Snoqualmie corridor each year.

As the plan is implemented, DNR will continue to consult with outdoor recreationists to ensure needs are met.

Read more about the plan at the Bellingham Herald. The full plan is available as a PDF.