Where to mountain bike on Vashon Island (best trailheads + local weekend rides)
Vashon–Maury Island has two go-to, bike-friendly trail systems that cover most “where should I ride?” needs: Island Center Forest (big, multi-use trail network) and Dockton Forest Mountain Bike Park (purpose-built stacked-loop singletrack). If you want to show up and ride with locals, the Gasping Geezers publicly list recurring weekend meetups at both trailheads (around 9:00am). [2]
Where to mountain bike on Vashon Island?
Most riders start at one of these two trailheads, depending on whether they want exploration (Island Center) or a more MTB-specific loop system (Dockton):
Quick trail picker (fast decision)
| If you want… | Start here | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A larger network with multiple entrances and lots of route options | Island Center Forest — SW 188th St trailhead | Big, multi-entrance network; bring/consult a map due to confusing intersections; can be muddy in wet months. [3] |
| Purpose-built MTB riding in a compact stacked-loop format | Dockton Forest Mountain Bike Park — SW 260th St trailhead | About 2.5 miles of stacked-loop singletrack; described as open year-round; includes a connection toward Dockton Park via the Huckleberry trail. [4] |
“Just tell me where to park and start”
- Island Center Forest (SW 188th St access):
- Trailhead amenities noted include parking, picnic benches/shelters, and maps. [3]
- Dockton Forest MTB Park (SW 260th St trailhead):
- Trail system described as stacked loops, with a connection to King County’s Dockton Park via the Huckleberry trail (with an equestrian-use caution on that connector). [4]
If you’re new to Vashon riding and want a low-friction first visit, one practical approach is: start at Dockton for a straightforward MTB loop, then come back for Island Center when you’re ready to explore a bigger, more maze-like network. (Bring a map for Island Center.) [3] [4]
Island Center Forest vs. Dockton Forest MTB trails
They’re complementary rather than competing—most riders rotate between them.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Island Center Forest | Dockton Forest MTB Park |
|---|---|---|
| Trail style | Multi-use trail network / working forest trails (bike-friendly) [3] | MTB-focused stacked-loop singletrack [4] |
| Navigation | WTA advises using a map due to confusing intersections [3] | More “looped” layout; described as stacked loops [4] |
| Conditions | Can be muddy in wet months [3] | Noted for drainage and suitability for spring riding; described as open year-round [4] |
| Trailhead named in local ride meetups | SW 188th St [2] | SW 260th St [2] |
If you’re deciding purely on “what will feel most mountain-bike-specific,” Dockton is explicitly presented as an MTB trail system. [4] If you want more “wander and discover” mileage and route variety, Island Center’s broader network is the typical pick—just expect more wayfinding. [3]
Weekend bike meetups Vashon Island
If you’re searching “weekend bike meetups” because you don’t want to ride alone, the most explicit public option in the provided sources is the Gasping Geezers: an informal, community-oriented group that lists recurring Saturday and Sunday rides with consistent start times and trailheads. [2]
Recurring weekend ride schedule (as publicly listed)
| Day | Meet location | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Island Center Forest — SW 188th St trailhead | ~9:00am departure [2] | Open invite stated on the group’s site [2] |
| Sunday | Dockton Forest MTB Park — SW 260th St trailhead | ~9:00am departure [2] | Open invite stated on the group’s site [2] |
What to expect socially (useful if you’re new)
- The group describes a ride norm called the “Geezer Code”: no politics and no religion during rides. [1]
- Participation is framed as showing up to the meetups, not applying to a formal membership. [2]
Getting to Vashon–Maury
- The group notes the island is reached via ferry routes and points riders to Washington State Ferries schedules/alerts for planning. [6]
About Gasping Geezers
Gasping Geezers is an informal, community-oriented mountain biking group based on Vashon–Maury Island that shares local trail knowledge and organizes recurring weekend rides, with an explicit norm to avoid politics and religion while riding as a community. [1] [2]
References
- Gasping Geezers — “Geezer Lore” (origin story + Geezer Code)
- Gasping Geezers — Official site (ride days, times, trailheads)
- Washington Trails Association — Island Center Forest trail guide
- Evergreen MTB Alliance — Dockton Forest trail guide
- Gasping Geezers — Mountain biking on Vashon Island (access/logistics)