The Tapeworm, Mr DNA, Crop Circles, Parasite Trails
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#tapewormtrail
Overall: 5
Aerobic: 4
Technical: 5
Steepness: 2
Flow: 9
Singletrack: 100%
A study in flow, the Renton Washington Philip Arnold Park Tapeworm trail can show riders how to get lost...in a good way.
Type
Loop
Length
Avg: 4.5mi
Ascent
Easy
Elevation Change
TH:400'
Avg Ascent:600'
Ascent Incline
3%
Duration
Avg: 1.5hr
Weather
Forecast
NOAA
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Trail
Review
The endless hairpin curves require some attention, and soon everything else drops away as riders work first gear and their brakes to avoid slow motion crashes.
First came Mr DNA, then the eponymous Tapeworm in 1997, followed by Crop Circles in 1998, then finally the New Parasite.
Like the McKenzie River Trail, extensive use has worn this carefully laid out trail system, but it's still a lot of fun.
Tapeworm is not a destination trail, but it is a must-ride (at least once) for any Northwest rider.
The 3.5 turn, double-spiral Crop Circles can be seen while approaching the Renton airport.
New Parasite has many log features, adding to the stunts built on The Tapeworm.
The trail system was designed to be one-way.
Riding the other way will damage the trail, and the other riders may damage you as well, so it's not recommended.
Be sure to not leave valuables in your car while riding.
Directions: See Map. View Larger Map. No Map?.
Loop Directions
tapeworm - the good kind
- TH: From Phillip Arnold Park, ride Beacon Way to the power lines, then turn in at the concrete barriers and ride .3mi to the trail on the left.
- .6mi: There are several trails to the left, from the dirt road, so if you miss the first trail then take the next one. All lead to Mr DNA, near the substation.
- .9mi: Back near the substation, having finished Mr DNA, turn away from the substation again, starting Crop Circles. This trail begins with a straight ride to the far end, then a series of 'tapewormy' switchbacks, approaching the substation before turning back again and coiling into and back out of the Crop Circles. Those not having fun yet are trying too hard. Now ride over to The Tapeworm.
- 1.9mi: At the entrance to The Tapeworm, note the 'Begin' sign. No directions required. Just be ready for a lot of short climbs and plenty of stunts to ride if desired.
- 3.4mi: Having completed The Tapeworm, ride over to New Parasite and practice clearing logs, then ride back to the park.
Trail Rankings
Ranking consistently applied to all of the listed trails.
- Overall Rating: Ride quality and challenge
- Aerobic: Ascent challenge
- Technical Difficulty: Terrain challenge
- Steepness: Average incline
- Flow: Uninterrupted riding
- Elevation Change: Total elevation gain
- Ride Difficulty: Terrain challenge
