Nov 27, 2024 Double Black Diamond Trail Report

 I don't recommend hiking this trail, it is common knowledge that this is a DH mountain bike trail even if it isn't officially that. There are so many better hiking trails here!

 Fragrance lake, rock trail, and Fionia Ridge are all much better hiking trails. When I hike Chuckanut, I never feel the need to hike Double Black, there are so many other hiking and hiking only trails on the mountain.

 That is a misconception. The trail is signed for hikers. It is on the state park maps as a mutli-use trail. It has signs telling bicylists to slow down, communicate and yield to hikers. You should be prepared to encounter hikers. I have hiked it regularly since before it was used by bicycles. The park rangers are aware of the problem of abusive, intimidating or dangerous bicylists. The WMBC website page for the trail states that it is a multi-use trail. Most bicyclists I've met on the trail are friendly and considerate. It is the best hiking trail in the park. I recommend hiking it.

 It's too bad you had an unfriendly encounter. I'm guessing the person was not local, but I'm sure there are a couple of jerks who also ride bikes. Almost all bikers I've encountered are super friendly. If you are not wearing headphones and step off the trail in a steeper DH section, you'll almost certainly have a friendly interaction. Just FYI, a few months ago a hiker places 15+ branches across the trail, some on fast corners, more dangerous than they probably realized. I certainly didn't contact park rangers to say there are aggressive hikers on the trails because I knew it was an isolated incident. Let's work to have positive interactions and keep trails open and well-maintained for everyone.

 Totally hike the trail but don't be mad when mountain bikers come flying down the opposite direction.