The Chickadee Trailhead at Sun Mountain has been an essential hub for human-powered recreation for many years. In 2012 Evergreen formed a partnership with the USFS Methow Valley Ranger District (MVRD) to legitimize existing trails, improve tread sustainability and construct new multi-use and mountain bike-specific trails. The goal of the original Chickadee trail plan was to make the area a cohesive and diverse trail network for multiple user groups. By 2020 keystone trails such as Pete’s Dragon, Wild Turkey, Coal Creek and Thompson Ridge were complete.

The 2021 Cedar Creek Fire burned through many of the newly constructed and improved trails at Chickadee. The fire damage was extensive and many thought the trails would be gone forever. With an incredible effort from volunteers, Evergreen’s professional trail crew, and support and funding from the MVRD, all existing trails were repaired, cleared of hazard trees and reopened to the public just over a year after fire decimated the area.

Today, Evergreen continues to complete regular maintenance at Sun Mountain thanks to support from volunteers, grants and donations. New trails and refinements are planned and will be constructed as funding and support allows.

In partnership with...