What a year for the Tsalteshi Trails Association! Despite an uncharacteristically mild winter and a forest fire-filled spring, we’ve had the largest community involvement in Tsalteshi history this year. With a variety of communitywide ski, run and bike races, our trails have seen over 9,000 kilometers of community racing. This doesn’t even include school or private events and uses, but despite those exclusions, it is enough to ski, bike and run from Tsalteshi Trails all the way to Guatemala! This year has also seen a great deal of firsts. Not only have we been able to enjoy 25 kilometers of trail, thanks in no small part to the development, maintenance and grooming of Bill Holt, we have included a dedicated single-track trail for our cycling enthusiasts. This purely volunteer effort was…

We’ve got a lot of great things going on at Tsalteshi this season, but first a bit of difficult business: Dog conflicts on Tsalteshi TrailsWe love hearing reports of people using the trails, but hate to hear this kind — a trail user recently reported being bitten by a dog while out for a run. The dog was unleashed, and while the owner attempted to call the dog back, voice commands did not prevent it from biting and injuring the runner. Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of an unrestrained dog attacking and injuring another trail user. Tsalteshi has a “leash or voice control” policy when it comes to dogs on the trail system in the spring, summer and fall (dogs are not allowed on the trails during winter).…

Bikes are nice at Tsalteshi! Sure, you know that Tsalteshi Trails is a great place for running, hiking and disc golf during the non-snow months. But did you know that TTA offers mountains of fun for the well-wheeled among us? Pedal on over and see what we've got in store: Intro to Mnt. Biking Clinic starts June 12 Join TTA for an Intro to Mountain Biking series of clinics at the trails. Each session will be led by experienced riders to help guide those new to mountain biking or just new to the trails. The fee is $5 per session, or free for TTA members. Membership registration is available at www.tsalteshi.org. All sessions meet at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the TTA sheds by the old hockey rink behind Skyview High School. Please wear a helmet.…

New to off-pavement riding? Or just not sure where to start on the trails? Join TTA for an Intro to Mountain Biking series of clinics at Tsalteshi Trails! Each session will be led by experienced riders to get you up to whatever speed you want to travel on the trails. Just $5 per session, or free for TTA members! (Not yet a member? Register at www.tsalteshi.org.) All sessions meet at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the TTA sheds by the old hockey rink behind Skyview High School. Please wear a helmet. This is a great way to prepare for the Salmon Cycle Series of races starting in July! June 12: Riding with kids. Appropriate for any kiddo on a two-wheel bike (not for training wheels, please) and their adult(s). Led by Angie Brennan. Get…

The Relay for Life 5k race was cancelled because of the area smoke, but it's back on and rescheduled for Friday, June 13 at 6pm. It is still at the Wolverine Trailhead off of K-beach, across from the Sports Center. Sign up or donate here: https://www.tsalteshi.org/events/?ee=123

Today's race has been cancelled because of pervasive smoke. Please check Tsalteshi's Facebook for updates. Thank you for your understanding!

Biking season on “Arrival" Join Tsalteshi Trails Association for a kickoff of biking season! Celebrate off-road riding with a screening of the film “Arrival,” by Second Base Films, from the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival: “Step into our world as we bring you a raw look at the talents of the next wave of riders and photographers. Come face to face with our diverse styles as we take on new lines and new places!” View the trailer here! Time: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5 Place: Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center Cost: $20 (includes one free beer ticket. Additional beer available for purchase. Thanks to Kenai River Brewing Co. for help with the beer!). $10 for under 21. $10 for TTA members. Not a TTA member? Become a member that night…

HEY TTA supporters! Tsalteshi Trails Association is now part of the Fred Meyer’s Community Rewards Program! All you need to do is log on to your Fred Meyer’s account online: www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards Click “Link your Rewards Card Now” and search for Tsalteshi and our organization comes up. It’s easy and will take you less than two minutes to sync to our number! Thank you for supporting TTA and get outside and enjoy our trails!

A: "Closed for summer." That’s right! The City of Soldotna is hard at work on parts of the Fox trail on a water tower project. Please avoid the Fox trail this summer, and tell your friends to do the same. The City has been kind enough to work closely with the Tsalteshi Trails Association to reconfigure the existing Fox trail upon completion, which is estimated to be near the end of summer. We will post updates as we have them!

Summer rules OK, we cry “uncle” — Mother Nature seems determined to breakup with winter early this year. As of April 11, Tsalteshi is switching to summer rules (traditionally we make the switch April 15). That means the trails are now open to bikes (helmets, please!), runners, hikers and dog-walkers (keep dogs on a leash or under voice control, please!). BUT, until the trails dry out and firm up, please observe the following: Parking at Wolverine Trailhead off K-Beach: Please park only on the gravel pad. DO NOT park near the gate. That area is not supported by gravel, and vehicles will cause ruts, bigger puddles and further erosion, and might eventually get swamped altogether. Bikes and strollers: Please avoid leaving ruts in the trails as much as possible. Until things firm…