PSA: County plans to pave sections of the historic Mill Creek backpacking route

This came up at the town hall meeting last night, and it's splitting the local hiking community. Proponents claim it will improve accessibility for all seasons, but traditionalists argue it destroys the rustic charm and increases foot traffic. Where do you stand on modernizing old trails?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_andrew3mo ago

Everyone's treating this like some great betrayal of nature. Look at the Cascadia Trail after they put in gravel sections, usage went up, but the core experience remained. Paving could mean year round access for families and less maintenance costs. Trails have always been managed, not pristine. The outrage feels a bit performative, doesn't it?

drewwalker3mo ago

Hiking the Misty Falls trail in the rain last year was a slog. @the_andrew's point about year-round access CHANGED my view on paving.

flores.simon3mo ago

My buddy Mark switched to road biking after they paved the Riverside Loop.