Thurston Regional Trails Plan
Online Open House
Overview
Welcome to the online open house for the Thurston Regional Trails Plan!
For over 45 years, the Thurston region has planned for and built shared use trails, envisioning a regional network that connects all Thurston County communities and provides safe and enjoyable recreation and active transportation for all users.
Thurston Regional Trails Plan Logo
We invite you to learn more about the Thurston Regional Trails Plan and the regional trails network – our goals and vision for the region, the trail projects being planned for, and policy recommendations that can help enhance and improve the regional trails network, and what we heard from the public through our October 2023 How Should We Trail? survey.
Going the Distance
Between 2007 and 2023, major accomplishments for the Thurston Regional Trails Network included:
- Bridging the Gap, connecting the north and south portions of the Chehalis Western Trail that terminated at I-5
- Tunneling the Trail, improving safety and accessibility for trail users trying to cross an active rail line on the Chehalis Western Trail
- Working Together, connecting Historical and Brewery Parks in Tumwater (the start of the Deschutes Valley Trail)
Image of a group of equestrian trail users.
The Existing Regional Trails Network has:
- 60 miles of existing trails
- 14 major trail corridors
- 8 trail managing agencies
Proposed Expansion to the Regional Trails Network
If fully built out as proposed in the Plan, the Regional Trails Network could have 170 miles of trails on 16 major trail corridors. Check out the interactive trail map under the “ Recommendations ” tab.
Opportunities & Challenges to Expanding the Network
Many of us want a trail right out our front door. The reality is we're limited on where and how we can build trails.
Location, Location, Location. Trails are easiest to build when there’s already a dedicated place – or right-of-way – for them. For the regional network, abandoned railroad corridors and the side of existing roads are the easiest places to build the regional trails network.
Building in the Access. Because not everyone will have a trail out their front door, trailheads create access opportunities, especially for those living in rural areas. In urban areas, sidewalks and bike lanes are also essential to providing access to the trails network.
Show me the Money! On average, it costs approximately $1 million to build one mile of a shared use trail. It costs another $4,000 annually to maintain each mile. It’s hard to find money for building and maintaining the regional trails network, which often competes with funding opportunities that help maintain other pieces of our transportation system – including roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Having enough money to build and maintain trail infrastructure is an ever-present struggle.
Goals & Vision for the Region
The Thurston Region’s trail network is first-rate, accessible, expandable, and effectively maintained. The network provides safe and enjoyable recreation and active transportation for all users, connecting all Thurston County communities.
The Plan’s five goals will help our region realize this vision:
1. A Connected and Accessible Network
The regional trails network is accessible and expandable, effectively connecting communities, destinations, and other transportation facilities.
Learn more about the seven policies that will help create a more connected and accessible network .
2. A User-Friendly Network
The regional trails network functions well for different types of users.
Learn more about the eight policies that will help create a more friendly network .
3. A Safe and Secure Experience
The regional trails network is safe and secure for all who use, operate, and maintain it.
Learn more about the seven policies that will help create a more safe and secure experience .
4. A Collaborative Effort
Trail managing agencies work collaboratively to build and maintain the regional network.
Learn more about the six policies that will help create a more collaborative effort .
5. A Well-Maintained Network
The regional trails network is well-maintained in a cost-effective manner.
Learn more about the five policies that will help create a well-maintained network .
Recommendations
The Thurston Regional Trails Plan identifies 34 policy recommendations and 50 project recommendations.
Learn more about the 34 policy recommendations here .
Tour this interactive map to explore the 50 project recommendations trail managing agencies are pursuing to maintain, enhance, and expand the regional trails network. Click on trails or projects to learn more.
Existing and Proposed Trails
Survey Results
In September and October 2023, we asked the public to tell us how we as a region should trail. 1,157 members of the public answered. Here’s what we heard.
What Should We Fund?
Two out of three respondents want Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) to prioritize increasing funding for constructing new trails that expand our regional trails network.
Highest Priority Trails to Complete in the Next 20 Years
- Deschutes Valley Trail
- Gate Belmore Trail
- Karen Fraser Woodland Trail Extension in Olympia
Be Intentional. Plan Intentionally.
95% or more of respondents support TRPC helping the region be more intentional about planning for trails. This includes establishing a regional trails planning workgroup, holding an annual trail planning meeting, and updating the Thurston Regional Trails Plan every five years.
Doing More
Respondents shared ideas for other actions TRPC should take to support our regional trails network. These include:
- Ensuring all types of trail users are involved in planning, designing, and prioritizing trail network projects.
- Regularly engaging the community to both gather feedback and to increase awareness of upcoming trails planning and construction activities.
- Updating the Trails plan more often.
Go the Distance
For actions that take a lot of effort to achieve, respondents want to see trail managing agencies to prioritize:
- Improving trail/street crossings at hazardous locations
- Planning for and constructing trail supportive facilities (signage, seating, restrooms, etc.)
The Last Word
Respondents shared observations, priorities, and suggestions. The top five:
- Connectivity
- Maintenance
- Security
- User Conflict Reduction
- Increased Funding
Learn more about what we heard. Review the survey summary .
Project Manager: Paul Brewster Senior Planner, TRPC brewstp@trpc.org or (360) 741-2526
Project Website: https://www.trpc.org/1043/Regional-Trails-Plan-Update
