Taylor Mountain Lollipop
Mountain Biking Trail
Moderate
9.35 mi
1,632 ft
A mellow lollipop route through a multi-use trail system close to Seattle.
"Connecting the Cedar River Watershed to the Tiger Mountain State Forest, the 1,924 acre Taylor Mountain Forest treats visitors with views of Mount Rainier, forested wetlands, and meadows of [wildflowers],” according to [King County Parks]( This state forest is also a working forest, meaning that it’s supposed to demonstrate "how environmentally sound forest management protects and restores ecological systems while still allowing for recreational opportunities,” according to King County Parks.
The lollipop ride mapped here seeks to maximize your time on singletrack and minimize your time on dirt roads. However, if you’re fine with grinding some gravel, you can easily create longer loops and more intricate ride options in the Taylor Mountain Trail System.
Overall, this ride is pretty mellow and non-technical. All of the trails in this system are rated either intermediate or beginner.
Over the course of your ride, you’ll likely see open areas and evidence of logging in this working forest. In other areas, you’ll find yourself in a deep, dark PNW rain forest that feels dramatically removed from the city, even though you’re just a few miles from downtown Seattle.
The trail system at Taylor Mountain is a multi-use trail network, meaning that you can expect to encounter hikers, trail runners, and equestrians in addition to other mountain bikers. Since Taylor Mountain is so close to Seattle, the trails can get crowded, especially on the weekends. Be sure to practice proper trail yielding—mountain bikers are supposed to yield to all other trail users.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
"Connecting the Cedar River Watershed to the Tiger Mountain State Forest, the 1,924 acre Taylor Mountain Forest treats visitors with views of Mount Rainier, forested wetlands, and meadows of [wildflowers],” according to [King County Parks]( This state forest is also a working forest, meaning that it’s supposed to demonstrate "how environmentally sound forest management protects and restores ecological systems while still allowing for recreational opportunities,” according to King County Parks.
The lollipop ride mapped here seeks to maximize your time on singletrack and minimize your time on dirt roads. However, if you’re fine with grinding some gravel, you can easily create longer loops and more intricate ride options in the Taylor Mountain Trail System.
Overall, this ride is pretty mellow and non-technical. All of the trails in this system are rated either intermediate or beginner.
Over the course of your ride, you’ll likely see open areas and evidence of logging in this working forest. In other areas, you’ll find yourself in a deep, dark PNW rain forest that feels dramatically removed from the city, even though you’re just a few miles from downtown Seattle.
The trail system at Taylor Mountain is a multi-use trail network, meaning that you can expect to encounter hikers, trail runners, and equestrians in addition to other mountain bikers. Since Taylor Mountain is so close to Seattle, the trails can get crowded, especially on the weekends. Be sure to practice proper trail yielding—mountain bikers are supposed to yield to all other trail users.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holder Ridge Climb | 0.80 mi | 413 ft | 9.5% |
| th Ave Se Climb | 0.76 mi | 384 ft | 9.5% |
| Whiskey Still Down | 0.56 mi | -138 ft | -4.4% |
| Mt. Beaver Trail Southbound | 0.59 mi | -184 ft | -5.7% |
| Elk Ridge Up | 1.42 mi | 489 ft | 6.3% |
| Elk Ridge Climb | 1.11 mi | 387 ft | 6.4% |
| Sherwood Down | 0.60 mi | -295 ft | -9.3% |
| Whiskey Still Up | 0.49 mi | 105 ft | 4.0% |