The Dockton Forest MTB Trails consist of 2.5 miles of stacked-loop singletrack with connection to the beach and King County's Dockton Park by way of the Huckleberry trail. These trails drain pret
The Dockton Forest MTB Trails consist of 2.5 miles of stacked-loop singletrack with connection to the beach and King County's Dockton Park by way of the Huckleberry trail. These trails drain pretty well and offer great spring riding since they roll better with a little moisture. The weather is temperate and trails are open all year.
While equestrians usage on Vashon is prevalent, horses rarely ride in this section of the park; if venturing out on the Huckleberry Trail be aware of equestrian use and be sure to communicate clearly and be prepared to dismount your bike.
How to Find It
The best place to park is at Dockton Park.
From the North Ferry Dock (Vashon Heights):
- Approximate distance: 14 miles.
- Proceed south on Vashon Hwy SW past the town of Vashon.
- The highway will jog to the right (west) and descend a hill
- Turn left (east) on SW Quartermaster Drive.
- Follow Quartermaster Dr. along the water until it stops at Dockton Rd. SW.
- Stay on Dockton Rd. SW, shorly after the speed limit becomes 25 MPH, look for the parking areas and the boat ramp on the right side.
From the South Ferry Dock (Tahlequah):
- Approximate distance: 14 miles.
- Proceed North on Vashon Hwy SW past the town of Burton.
- The highway will cross a concrete bridge;
- Turn right (east) on SW Quartermaster Drive.
- Follow Quartermaster Dr. along the water until it stops at Dockton Rd. SW.
- Stay on Dockton Rd. SW, shorly after the speed limit becomes 25 MPH, look for the parking areas and the boat ramp on the right.
From the parking areas, the trails are all uphill. You will find a trail climbing out of the gravel parking area, you can ride east (and up) SW 260th St, and there is a trail on the east side of Dockton Rd SW, north of SW 260th st. Additionally, you will find multiple trails north and south as you ascend SW 260th St. I urge you to explore the variety of trails on both sides of SW 260th St. If you get lost, generally head downhill.
Typical Conditions
These trails drain pretty well and offer great spring riding since they roll better with a little moisture. The weather is temperate and trails are open all year.
Local Points of Interest
Mays Kitchen + Bar
- Fantastic Thai restaurant, open Thurs – Sun for dinner.
- Located in town
- http://www.maykitchen.com/
Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie
- Historic store with a ton of character. Best coffee on Vashon.
- Located 2 mi. south of town
- http://www.tvicr.com/
Red Bicycle Bistro & Sushi - sushi/lounge/bistro
- Large Selection of Micro Brews on Tap, Bottle Beers & Cocktails.
- Located in town
- http://redbicyclebistro.com/
The Hardware Store
- Large Selection of Micro Brews on Tap, Bottle Beers & Cocktails.
- Located in town
- http://thsrestaurant.com/
Rock Island Pizza
- Great pizza, salads (you gotta try the orange chipotle dressing - they sell it) lots of BEER.
Café Luna
- Great coffee, pastries, wi-fi.
- Located in town of Vashon (middle of island)
- http://www.cafelunavashon.com/
Casa Bonita
- Great Mex, beer, margaritas(!) nice family rest.
- Located in town of Vashon (middle of island)
La Playa
- 'Nuther Mex, good everything, esp. location
- Located on the water, at the Northend ferry dock.
Advocacy & Stewardship
The Maury 40, or Dockton Forest Lease, was transferred by the Common School Trust to the King County Parks Department on a 25-year stewardship lease in 2005. The land is designated as open space for passive recreation. No known proposals for trail development exist.
Advocacy groups on the island have a vested interest in the area because of its critical role in the local watershed. These groups include the Vashon / Maury Land Trust and the Dockton Water Association.
Turn by Turn
King County Parks now provides a detailed trail map. Note that the eastern border (bottom of the KC map) of the forest is connected to Glacier private property but the landowners are lenient to trail users. Continue out to the bluffs from here for a nice view of the sound.
A fair amount of riders like to shuttle or ride up 260th and then bomb down the central route to the waterfront.
