Following rainy season, trails opened this week to hikers, joggers, equestrians and mountain bikers
VANCOUVER — The primitive dirt trails at Whipple Creek Regional Park opened to all trail users, effective Sat., May 19.
Since last November, dirt trails have been open only to hikers and joggers to preserve the trails during the rainy season. Equestrians and mountain bikers could continue using gravel trails at the 300-acre park, off Northeast 179th Street, during wet weather.
“The seasonal restrictions were effective, and the primitive trails are in great condition,” said Bill Bjerke, parks and lands manager for Clark County Public Works. “We appreciate trail users respecting the restrictions and hope people get out and enjoy the natural trails now they are open to all users.”
The park’s trails have been plagued by persistent heavy mud because of poor drainage, clay soils and steep slopes. To improve trail conditions, volunteers have donated 7,600 hours during the past six years to build reroutes, improve drainage, and spread gravel across the park’s main trails, making them accessible year-round. Volunteers also realigned and restored a series of natural surface trails.
“The seasonal restrictions mean less maintenance for our volunteers this year,” Bjerke said. “And the recreational experience will be improved for everyone since there is less mud to contend with.”
Information provided by Clark County Communications.
