Building a Dream: How GiveBIG Can Bring Naneum Ridge Trails to Life

In 2014, the Kittitas Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance was founded with a bold dream: to build a purpose-built trail system right here in our community — one that riders of all ages and abilities could enjoy.

It started with a small but mighty step.

"My son, Cedar, started riding at age 3," shares Jesse Cunningham, Evergreen’s Kittitas Program Manager and Chapter President. "At the time, there were no mountain bike trails around here that were beginner-friendly. We used to drive all the way to Duthie just so Cedar could lap Boot Camp or other flowy trails for kids."

In 2016, the Kittitas Chapter created a new bike skills park at Rotary Park in Ellensburg. "My family helped build it," Jesse says. "And it quickly became a hub for families — my daughter learned to ride there too at age 3. But a bike park, as great as it is, still isn’t the same as singletrack in the woods."

So the dream grew bigger.

Donate here

In 2019, Evergreen began construction on the long-anticipated Naneum Ridge State Forest Trail System — designed with something for everyone:

• Short beginner loops and flow trails with berms, rollers, and fun features
• Progression zones with small jumps, drops, and practice areas
• Handbuilt technical trails and jump lines for more advanced riders
• Cross-country loops winding through remote pine forests, filled with wildflowers, wildlife, and sweeping views

The work hasn’t been easy. Progress has been slower than some projects due to tough access, a need for self-funding, and the painstaking care it takes to build quality trails by hand.

But the payoff? In Jesse’s words: "Building a trail system that riders of all ages and abilities can enjoy has been incredibly fulfilling."

And now, after years of grit, patience, and generosity from the community, a huge hurdle has been cleared: DNR crews have completed major repairs to the rough access road — finally making the trails easily reachable for the public.

With the physical barrier lifted, all that stands between the community and building out this trail system is the funding to finish the work. The current priorities are:

• Completing a blue flow trail
• Finalizing a 5-mile cross-country loop
• Building out a handbuilt blue/black tech downhill trail

How You Can Help

These trails — and the memories they’ll create — won’t happen without you.
Your GiveBIG gift powers:

• Local access to mountain biking for all ages and skill levels
• A welcoming outdoor destination where kids, families, and riders can thrive
• The fulfillment of a dream a decade in the making

When you give to Evergreen during GiveBIG, you’re not just donating to trails — you’re building a community where anyone can experience the joy of riding.

"We’ve been dreaming about our own local, purpose-built mountain bike trail system since we started a chapter in 2014," says Jesse. "Please help us make this dream a reality."

DONATE TO THE NANEUM RIDGE TRAILS