The Evergreen State, Washington, is full of the best rugged and majestic scenery the Pacific Northwest has to offer you. Washington is the only state in the Lower 48 where you can have breakfast in the Olympic rainforest, an afternoon hike at the base of a volcano, and enjoy a desert sunset sipping some of the finest wines.
Washington is also the birthplace of many of our daily favorites. The first Starbucks opened in Seattle in 1971. There are a multitude of coffee shops on every corner. In the 1990s, the Seattle area became a central musical hub for the alternative and grunge rock movement, boasting groups like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains. Come thirsty and hungry to the state; home to more than 900 wineries, some of the best-crafted beers, and farm-to-table restaurants. Big tech also calls Washington home with Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Boeing, making the state very attractive.
But Washington is also one of the best outdoor adventure playgrounds for off-road enthusiasts. It offers some fantastic and diverse riding opportunities with stunning views. We’ve compiled a list of 12 locations where you can start. So enjoy a slice of Washington.
Link: dnr.wa.gov/Ahtanum/
Phone: (509) 925-8510
Located 30 miles west of the city of Yakima, Ahtanum State Forest is where the East Slopes of the Cascade mountains meet the desert lands of eastern Washington. Explore over 75,000 acres with towering pine trees, truly a nature’s paradise offering 70-plus miles of off-roading trails.
Trails consist of single-track, old logging roads, and a lot of hard-packed dirt. There are plenty of trails for the beginner. However, the area is known for more moderate to challenging terrain. A highlight is the Eagle’s Nest Vista. Take this journey to discover the majestic views of Darland Mountain, Dome Peak, and Goat Rocks. If time allows, visit nearby BBQ Flats with its open pine forest and flat forest floor for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and ORV riding are permitted.
Ahtanum Meadows, Tree Phones, and Clover Flats campgrounds are available to accommodate riders after a long day. Sites include picnic tables and campfire rings all tucked under the pines. Allow an extra day to venture east to Yakima and experience some famous wineries of the Yakima Valley wine region.
Link: dnr.wa.gov/capitol/
Phone: (360) 825-1631
The 110,000 acres of the Capitol State Forest offer a perfect slice of the beautiful Pacific Northwest and is one of the state’s most popular ATV destinations. It’s filled with beautiful waterfalls, streams, stunning views, and over 150 miles of trails.
Trails range from single-track to loads of logging roads, all in an active industrial logging area. Located just south of the capital city of Olympia and off the main I-5 interstate, it is easily accessible. Trails are shared with off-road motorists, hikers, mountain bikers, and many equestrian riders. Capitol Forest offers a little something for all levels of off-road skill.
Overnight camping is available at nearby Middle Waddell, Porter Creek, and Margaret McKenny campgrounds.
Link: fs.usda.gov/okawen/
Phone: (509) 852-1100
Are you seeking a ride in the sun? Venture to Cle Elum Ranger District, located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Receiving over 200 days of sunshine with little rain makes this area a popular year-round recreation destination.
Located near the little town of Cle Elum, it is just off the I-9 Interstate as you descend the Eastern Slopes of the Cascade Range and Snoqualmie Pass. The district has 400 miles of motorized trails and 400 miles of nonmotorized trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding, a variety for all. Whether on your ATV or foot, take in the pike views, meadows filled with wildflowers, and the dense fir and pine forest as you navigate the diverse terrain.
A dozen campgrounds are available for your camping needs. Nearby local attractions include the college town of Ellensburg, home to Central Washington University, and the famous Ellensburg Radio. Or head north about an hour for a slice of European culture in the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth.
Phone: (360) 825-1631
The Elbe Hills ORV Area is located just east of the small town of Elbe, just as you head up White Pass taking you over the Cascade mountains.
With 22,000-plus acres in Pierce County and an additional 32,000-plus in Lewis County, this area is well known to be very muddy, with deep ruts created by the heavy jeeps and trucks that visit the site. This can be challenging for UTVs and ATVs, but it is still passable. The 8 miles of trails are not far off the main service roads through the area in case the riding gets too rough. Even with only 8 miles of the official trail, there are so many sidetracks it will keep you busy most of the day. The trails are mostly the same but discover Swamp and Gotcha trails for some set obstacle fun. The views, meadows, and lakes make up for any day of rough riding.
Elbe Hills and Tahoma state forests are part of DNR land and provide many recreational opportunities. The trail systems are not only for off-road vehicles but for horseback riding, hiking, and more. Tahoma State Forest is a popular destination for winter activities, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It has overnight accommodations at backcountry ski huts, one of which is accessed through Elbe Hills State Forest. The hut-to-hut trail system is also open to mountain biking and hiking in the summer.
Phone: (360) 825-1631
The state forests of Tahuya (23,000 acres in Mason County) and Green Mountain (6,000 acres in Kitsap County) are part of an extensive network of working forest lands managed by the Washington State DNR. The Green Mountain and Tahuya state forests are undeveloped working lands that provide habitat for native plants and animals, water retention and water quality benefits, and is additional income for the trust land beneficiaries.
Open year-round, both are popular destinations for all outdoor enthusiasts seeking diverse outdoor activities. The 170 miles of trails are great for ATVs, horseback riding, trails, mountain biking, hiking, and even fishing. The heavily wooded trails for off-road vehicles have hard-packed dirt, mud, rocks, and lots of bogs that offer heart-pumping excitement. Do not bring your own ATV; no worries, rentals are available.
The forest offers several parking areas, including the Elfendahl Pass Staging Area with 50 day- use parking spots and six campsites that provide access to ATV, 4x4, and motorcycle trails. Several other campgrounds and trailheads give access to the ATV and motorcycle trails.
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/1631917030190677
Phone: (360) 825-6585
Evans Creek ORV Area is in the heart of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, 25 miles south of Enumclaw near the town of Buckley. Sitting at the base of impressive Mount Rainier, which towers over 14,000-plus feet above sea level, makes this another popular outdoor destination.
The area features 45 miles of designated off-roading trails looping through old-growth forests, meadows, and rugged mountain riding. Enjoy the scenic views of Mount Rainier and its glacier pikes. The trails range from easy to hard, with some extreme riding for the expert off-roader.
Evans Creek campground and ORV area offer 23 campsites with picnic areas and fire rings; camping is on a first-come, first-served base.
Phone: (509) 925-8510
Juniper Dunes is a popular regional outdoor recreation area with 19,600 acres of exploring. Juniper Dunes provides loose sand riding opportunities in plenty, primarily along trails through sagebrush and desert terrain. Riders can enjoy sections of open dunes and primitive road segments. More than 30,000 people visit Juniper Dunes annually, mainly for OHV recreation. However, the trails are shared with many horse-riding enthusiasts with mutual respect.
Juniper Dunes is just north of the Tri-Cities area (Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland), which is in the heart of the Columbia Valley wine region. Among wineries, it features fine-crafted breweries, world-class golfing, water sports on the Columbia and Snake rivers, and so much more.
Camping and other accommodations are ample in this area.
Phone: (509) 684-7000
Northeast Washington is a camping and outdoor adventure paradise. Although remote, this area has so much beauty to offer. The Little Pend Oreille ORV and trail system includes 67-plus miles of loop trails that provide access to Thomas Mountain, Green Mountain, and Granite Peak. The system offers several short loops on the trail, which connects to the Batey-Bould trail system on the Idaho border.
This out-of-the-way sanctuary is all inside the Colville National Forest. Featuring high desert, dry ponderosa pine forest, and subalpine firs. If you are looking for remote, this is your area. For reservations, campgrounds are available at Sullivan Lake East, West, and Group sites.
Facebook: facebook.com/MudFlats509/
Moses Lake is in the middle of eastern Washington and the dry desert. Enjoy 3,000 acres of sand dune riding under the sun. This is a beautiful large ATV sand dune area with soft sand and many rolling dunes. It is located directly on the shores of Moses Lake. Regions are designed for nonmotorized use for additional outdoor activities.
Dispersed campgrounds nearby and events are held throughout the open season from July 1 to October 1.
Phone: (509) 925-8510
The Riverside State Park Off-Road Vehicle Area is located west of Spokane. This 600-acre multiple-use area was set aside in the 1980s for all types of ORVs. The area has proven to be very popular for motorcycles, ATVs, and four-wheelers. The terrain provides hill climbs, sand areas, and miles of hard-packed dirt trails through mixed ponderosa pine forest. Visit nearby Spokane, situated along the Spokane River, a piece of big city living in eastern Washington.
Camping is available 10 miles from the ORV area at the Bowl and Pitcher and Nine-Mile
Recreational Area. ORVs must be trailered to get to the ORV area unless they are street legal.
Reservations are highly recommended during peak summer months.
Facebook: facebook.com/walkervalleyorv/
Phone: (360) 856-3500 or (360) 480-2700
Walker Valley ORV is a state-managed recreation area with 3,200 acres and over 36 miles of trails. Located just outside of Mount Vernon, an hour north of Seattle, this charming area is world-famous for its colorful tulips each spring. It is also a gateway to the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound and Deception Pass.
Self-contained RVs are allowed to camp anywhere along the Walker Valley Mainline. Tent campers are required to camp in the staging area near the outhouse. Some primitive camping is also available.
Link: dnr.wa.gov/Yacolt
Phone: (360) 577-2025
Experience the 90,000 acres of the Yacolt Burn State Forest, including the Bradley Trails ORV Area and Jones Creek ORV Trailhead. The Cascade mountain range extends the whole state of Washington; Yacolt Burn State Forest is situated toward the southwest corner near the historic river town of Cathlamet.
The Bradley ORV Area has 8 miles of trails and is beginner-friendly yet offers the more experienced rider some complex terrain. Riders can enjoy plenty of mud and slippery conditions during the wet season. Come prepared for lots of road ruts.
The Jones Creek ORV Trailhead has 14 miles of trails with plenty of double-track motorcycle and all-terrain trails. If the 8 miles of Bradley and the 14 miles of Jones Creek Trails are not enough, cruise on over to nearby trail systems like Deer Pen, Mountain View, and Hagen Creek. Both locations attract off-road riders from Washington and Oregon.
Take the time to make a day trip to the famous tourist attraction Astoria, where the grand Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Overnight camping and RV sites are available at the nearby Elochoman Slough Marina.
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