Fungi Fun at Olsen Creek State Forest

Earth Star is one of the Downhill Only Mountain Bike trails at Olsen Creek. The trail drops almost 1,000 feet over 1.5 miles. Picture Credit: Paul Kalifatidi

As you wind your way through the Olsen Creek State Forest, the feeling of freedom is found around every corner. The climbs are pleasant pedals through forests of ferns, the descents are captivating coasts among ever-changing ecosystems, and views of the surrounding landscape fill you with awe. Riding here is an absolute blast!

These trails are a result of our collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and are part of their long-term outdoor recreation strategy, following the 2019 Baker to Bellingham Non-motorized Recreation Plan and advancing the goals of the 2025 Outdoor Access and Responsible Recreation (OARR) Strategic Plan. Bringing these trails to life kept WMBC Trail Crew Leader Ryan Joslyn and WMBC Trail Builder Ben Cruz busy for several months in our Bobcat (RIP) and Kubota KX018. We had support from a handful of volunteers along the way, including build days with off-duty firefighters coming out to help clear corridor and knock out some finish work. We're working with the DNR on plans for the next phase of development at Olsen Creek and hope to have more to share on direction and timeline in 2026.

Riding at Olsen Creek:

The mushroom-inspired trail monikers of Hedgehog and Lion's Mane guide you up the lower slopes of Slash Mountain, while the fun(gi) filled descents of Turkey Tail and Earth Star deposit you back to the base.

1. Park at the Y Road Trailhead

2. Climb up Hedgehog (or take the abandoned road for a more direct route)

3. Continue onto Lion's Mane

4. Climb Lion's Mane all the way to the start of Turkey Tail or branch off on the Lion's Mane Shortcut

5. Descend down Turkey Tail

6. Traverse along Bear's Head

7. Cruise down Earth Star

The trails from Phase 1 of development at Olsen Creek displayed on the DNR map. These trails were officially announced by the DNR on June 20, 2025.

The climb up Hedgehog and Lion's Mane is a relatively friendly grade with great canopy coverage. Photo by Paul Kalifatidi

The last bit of climbing along the Lion's Mane Shortcut navigates a younger forest with great views of the surrounding landscape, including sneak peeks of Lake Whatcom and views of the Canadian mountains. Photo by Paul Kalifatidi

Turkey Tail starts with some flowing turns in a younger forest. Expect shorter sightlines and flatter corners that keep you on your toes. Photo by Paul Kalifatidi

Turkey Tail drops into the woods with a series of straightaways, followed by 180-degree switchbacks. Photo by Paul Kalifatidi

The bridge on Bear's Head is still under construction. The DNR hopes to have it finished by early summer 2026. Photo by Paul Kalifatidi

There's plenty of opportunity to open things up on Earth Star. Photo by Paul Kalifatidi

The steep switchbacks in the middle of Earth Star will have you feeling like you teleported to a bike park in the Alps. Photo by Paul Kalifatidi

Switchback Silliness. Photo by Paul Kalifatidi

The grade in the bottom section of Earth Star mellows slightly and gives lots of room for the creative juices to flow. Photo by Paul Kalifatidi

Moody morning cutting bench in the 018.

The initial stacking of a berm on the upper part of Earth Star in the 018.

Hank taking over the controls of the Bobcat while Ben takes a break.