Going to be in Washington? Need a place to go ride?
Washington State provides a variety of elevations and geographic climates depending upon which part of the state you happen to be in. The Cascade mountains divide the state into two seperate regions - the "dry side" and the "wet side", and there are plenty of scenic, fun and challenging riding areas on both sides of this vast state.
Most of Washington's trails are grouped into networks rather than just single trails, with the exception of Naches Pass Trail. There are two main land agencies that control the trail systems in Washington, and it's important to study up on what passes and permits are required in the area you will be riding in.
While Washington has the reputation of being a rainy and wet state, the rainfall here also provides for some of the most lush and scenic riding areas in the country.
This popular riding area is located outside of Olympia, WA and is home to three directional trail systems, mud bogs, 4x4 ATV/UTV trails and three motocross tracks that offer riding for different skill levels.
Located right next to the park is the Capitol State Forest, which offers over a hundred miles of multi-use trails if you are looking for more variety.
With over 300 campsites, this park operates on a seasonal schedule, with hours varying according to the average temps for the month you are riding in. While mainly open from Spring to Fall, the park is also open occasionally during the winter months as well.
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Located about 2.5 hours from Seattle, this area offers over 100 miles of trails and provides plenty of places to camp. This area is open all year, however the trails can be buried in snow in the winter months.
The trails here offer up some stunning scenery and criss cross through the Eastern Cascade forest. With a mix of woods riding and trails that wind through meadows, rock fields, and even some slick rock, this is a popular place to spend a few days exploring on your UTV or ATV.
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Also not too far from Seattle is the Naches Pass Trail, which consists of two distinct types of terrain and riding opportunities. The Eastern side of the trail is the longest portion, and typically drier as the forest changes from fir to pine.
The Western side of the trail is more wet, and is crossed several times by gravel roads as it winds through the forest and breaks though to several meadows towards the top.
This trail crosses the Cascades on a route that follows the 1853 wagon train route of the Longmire wagon train, so for history buffs and sightseers, this is an attractive place to ride.
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The various trails and roads in the Cle Elum Ranger District aren't particularly difficult as they are mostly old mining roads, but they are scenic as they climb through rugged mountains near the town of Cle Elum.
Camping is available in many areas, and due to the fact that the elevation in this area can reach 6,000 feet, the best time to go riding here is in the summer months. Snow can be present in all months excet for the middle of summer.
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RimRock Lake and the Ahtanum area offers 100+ miles of 4x4 trail and Green DOT roads for ATV and UTV riders alike. The trails here can prove to be for more advanced riders, and the area is known for its very narrow trails, off-camber areas and ridgeline trails that are perched on the sides of steep mountains.
Many of the trails here are rated for difficulty, and many are marked one-way and require caution to ride. That being said, the riding here can be exhilerating and beautiful, and proves to be a popular destination for 4-wheelers and other OHV enthusiasts.
MORE INFORMATION
Most of Washington's trails are grouped into networks rather than just single trails, with the exception of Naches Pass Trail. There are two main land agencies that control the trail systems in Washington, and it's important to study up on what passes and permits are required in the area you will be riding in.
While Washington has the reputation of being a rainy and wet state, the rainfall here also provides for some of the most lush and scenic riding areas in the country.
1. STRADDLELINE ORV PARK
This popular riding area is located outside of Olympia, WA and is home to three directional trail systems, mud bogs, 4x4 ATV/UTV trails and three motocross tracks that offer riding for different skill levels.
Located right next to the park is the Capitol State Forest, which offers over a hundred miles of multi-use trails if you are looking for more variety.
With over 300 campsites, this park operates on a seasonal schedule, with hours varying according to the average temps for the month you are riding in. While mainly open from Spring to Fall, the park is also open occasionally during the winter months as well.
MORE INFORMATION
2. MANASTASH RIDGE ORV AREA
Located about 2.5 hours from Seattle, this area offers over 100 miles of trails and provides plenty of places to camp. This area is open all year, however the trails can be buried in snow in the winter months.
The trails here offer up some stunning scenery and criss cross through the Eastern Cascade forest. With a mix of woods riding and trails that wind through meadows, rock fields, and even some slick rock, this is a popular place to spend a few days exploring on your UTV or ATV.
MORE INFORMATION
3. NACHES PASS TRAIL
Also not too far from Seattle is the Naches Pass Trail, which consists of two distinct types of terrain and riding opportunities. The Eastern side of the trail is the longest portion, and typically drier as the forest changes from fir to pine.
The Western side of the trail is more wet, and is crossed several times by gravel roads as it winds through the forest and breaks though to several meadows towards the top.
This trail crosses the Cascades on a route that follows the 1853 wagon train route of the Longmire wagon train, so for history buffs and sightseers, this is an attractive place to ride.
MORE INFORMATION
4. CLE ELUM RANGER DISTRICT
The various trails and roads in the Cle Elum Ranger District aren't particularly difficult as they are mostly old mining roads, but they are scenic as they climb through rugged mountains near the town of Cle Elum.
Camping is available in many areas, and due to the fact that the elevation in this area can reach 6,000 feet, the best time to go riding here is in the summer months. Snow can be present in all months excet for the middle of summer.
MORE INFORMATION
5. RIMROCK LAKE
RimRock Lake and the Ahtanum area offers 100+ miles of 4x4 trail and Green DOT roads for ATV and UTV riders alike. The trails here can prove to be for more advanced riders, and the area is known for its very narrow trails, off-camber areas and ridgeline trails that are perched on the sides of steep mountains.
Many of the trails here are rated for difficulty, and many are marked one-way and require caution to ride. That being said, the riding here can be exhilerating and beautiful, and proves to be a popular destination for 4-wheelers and other OHV enthusiasts.
MORE INFORMATION
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