What is the Columbia Basin Chapter?

The Columbia Basin Chapter is based in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) and covers Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla counties. This new chapter will fill a critical geographical gap in mountain biking advocacy and trail development in Washington. We will work to improve and expand sustainable mountain biking opportunities, trail access, and the riding community in the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. As you see on our Chapter Map, the South East area of Washington was previously underserved so we are excited to get to work! 

“This is an exciting step for mountain biking in Washington as we partner with the riding community in that region to help advocate, develop, and build more trails and community in one of the most scenic parts of the state.” ~ Eddie Espinosa, Executive Director of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance

How did this Chapter form?

Recognizing a lack of riding opportunities and a loss of open spaces to rapid development, local riders formed a non-profit organization called the Shrub Steppe Trails Alliance (SSTA) in 2021 to advocate for trails. As they began building relationships within their communities they reached out to both the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), becoming an affiliate chapter, and also to Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance (EMBA) for guidance on project development and trail building. In 2024 EMBA and SSTA began conversations about how creating a new Evergreen chapter in the area could bring additional resources and trail expertise to the region. 

Last November, SSTA hired Evergreen to teach Trail School to train volunteers on trail building and maintenance in South East Washington. Jesse Cunningham, Kittitas Program Manager and Chapter President, and Michael McLane, Eastern WA Trails Manager, planned and taught the trail school, modifying Evergreen’s curriculum to focus more on trail design, planning and building for SSTA. 

In March 2025, a proposal was brought to the Evergreen Board of Directors and the board voted unanimously to create the new Columbia Basin chapter. 

Photos by Jesse Cunningham

What is the mission of the Shrub Steppe Trails Alliance?

“To preserve existing trails and create new mountain bike and multi-use trails in the shrub steppe region of Eastern Washington.”

“We aim to collaborate with local and state government agencies, public and private land owners, local organizations and businesses to secure the use of land for present and future mtb and multi-use trails.  We aim to enrich regional communities by providing additional recreational opportunities and a broader awareness about them.  We aim to enhance the quality of life in urban areas with more green space and natural landscape.”

We are excited to come together with our shared vision for sustainable, accessible mountain biking and multi-use trails.

What is planned in the Columbia Basin Chapter, and/or how can people support/get involved?

Shrub Steppe Trails Alliance has been building on their momentum since forming the Alliance in 2021. The Chapter’s initial focus includes the development of bike parks and pump tracks, with active discussions underway with the parks departments in Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco. In addition, efforts are ongoing to identify a suitable location for a permanent, dedicated mountain bike trail system.

Supporters are encouraged to stay engaged through upcoming quarterly meetings and group mountain bike rides, which will offer opportunities to learn more about current projects and ways to get involved.

“We are thrilled to welcome the new Columbia Basin Chapter to the Evergreen family. Having already developed leadership structure, fundraising, and connections within the Tri-Cities community, the chapter is well-positioned to immediately start working with Evergreen staff to develop riding opportunities in the region.” ~ Jesse Cunningham, Kittitas Program Manager of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance

Photos by Sam Chou // Shrub Steppe Trails Alliance