Outdoor Ethics for Mountain Biker Recreationists
- Moscow Mountain is PRIVATE LAND. No one has to let us use any of it, so please treat it with respect and
stay off posted property unless you have personal permission from the landowner. In case it's not clear from the many signs and closed gates, MOTORIZED VEHICLES ARE NOT ALLOWED anywhere on Moscow Mountain except the main county roads. This closure includes snowmobiles. The open county roads include Moscow Mountain Road and Rock Creek Road, but only when they are dry. Illegal motorized use threatens to close *all* recreational opportunities on Moscow Mountain. Report license plates and vehicle description of offending motorized use to:
lakook@moscow.com
- If you hike or bike with your dog, please USE A STICK to flick your dog's poop off the gravel road or trail. There's nothing worse than puppy poo in your knobby tire or hiking shoe.
- Headwaters Trail has become a popular destination for local hikers and mountain bikers. Please reduce your speed when you're biking around blind corners, especially on the fast gravel road between the pond and the gate. Always be ready to come to
a full stop if you encounter foot traffic (without skidding....d'oh!). Greet our bretheren human-powered trail lovers with respect; they deserve a safe and peaceful experience too.
- Due to MAMBA's coordinated efforts to reduce dust and improve landowner relations, parking for recreationists using Headwaters Trail has become less of an issue. Mountain bikers and hikers should park in the wide spots a couple hundred yards before the blue gate, just downhill from the Firelane sign. MAMBA helped pay for magnesium-chloride application on Foothills Rd as a dust-control measure, so parking in the designated area is more pleasant.
Don't even think about parking in two key spots:
- the private driveway with a green gate that splits off to the right, just before the blue gate.
- the school bus and snow plow turn around area (in front of the mailboxes, up Tolo Trail Rd, and all the way to the gate.
- Be nice to EVERYONE you meet when driving to/from the mountain and while riding. SLOW DOWN! Like it or not, you represent our sport. One bad impression from you can spoil trail access for everyone. RIDE WITH RESPECT.
Drive a reasonable speed on your way to and from the mountain. I've heard specific complaints about the speed and recklessness of bike-toting vehicles on Moscow Mountain Road. You might save a couple minutes, but people who live along those roads have to put up with increased danger, as well as dust. Slow down (the speed limit is 35 MPH, but blind corners on gravel roads are not posted). Go slower. Wave and smile.
- Turn your car stereo or radio off as you're unloading at the trailhead. Pick up any trash in the parking area.
- Even if you are riding on a wide dirt road, slow down to walking speed whenever you encounter other people in the woods, especially non-bikers. Stop completely for horses and talk to the riders so the horses know you're not a predator.