ATV Trails Washington

The Pacific Northwest region of the United States has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The wet climate supports lush greenery throughout the changing seasons, while the moderate temperatures encourage people to get outdoors and experience all that this area has to offer. If you're looking for a place to ride your ATV in the northernmost state of the region, explore this guide to some of the best ATV trails in Washington.

Ahtanum State Forest

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Located approximately 30 miles west of Yakima, Ahtanum State Forest contains miles of trails for ATV riding. Some of the more than 70 miles of trails are better for Jeeps, but many are open to ATV riders. The forest also features several roads that are part of the Green Dot Road system, open to both on-road and off-road vehicles. Several government entities and private property owners operate the road system in a partnership to provide opportunities for exploration.

Other recreational activities offered within the forest include birdwatching, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting. If you're interested in staying a little longer, consider booking a campsite near one of the trails. They're available on a first-come, first-served basis. Dogs are also allowed in the forest, as long as they remain on a leash.

Bradley Hills ORV Area

Located outside of Cathlamet, the Bradley Hills ORV Area has miles of off-roading trails for ATV riders. You can explore the 8 miles of challenging trails. However, it's best to avoid this area when the weather is stormy, as the trails can become very slippery and muddy in wet conditions. The ORV area has a designated parking area for day use. If you want to camp nearby, consider the Elochoman Marina. This area has tent campsites, larger sites with RV hookups, and yurts available for rent.

Although ATVs, motorcycles, and dirt bikes are allowed to ride in this ORV area, Jeeps, side-by-sides, and UTVs are not allowed. You can only ride in this area during the daytime.

Capitol State Forest

Capitol State Forest is near Olympia and offers miles of off-roading trails in a beautifully forested area. The forest is in the Black Hills above Thurston and Grays Harbor counties. Although it is still a timber-producing forest, sections are open for recreational activities, including ATV riding and outdoor exploration. Much of the land is trust land, which provides sustainable revenue to state universities, local public services, and public schools.

With 110,000 acres of land, Capitol State Forest has something for every rider who loves exploring ATV trails in Washington. Throughout the forest, you can head out on the 150 miles of trails, some of which connect to several campgrounds. Trails in the southern part of the forest are open for nonmotorized use only, such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. If you plan to camp, be sure to request one of the off-road campsites that offer access to the motorized trail system. ATV riders can enjoy these trails between May 1 and Nov. 30.

Cle Elum Ranger District ORV Trails

The Cle Elum Ranger District ORV Trails are in the northwestern part of the state and allow riders to get deeper into the wilderness. If you're starting on your ATV journey, explore the ATV loop located near Manastash Campground. It's easier to navigate and friendly to novice riders. As you ride on the miles and miles of trails that run throughout the Cle Elum Ranger District, you'll have incredible views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. 

This trail series is within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which encompasses more than 400,000 acres of land. The area receives approximately 80 inches of snow and 20 inches of rain each year, along with 200 days of sunshine. Visit during the spring or summer seasons to maximize your experience. These seasons are the best for getting outdoors and riding an ATV. Various wildlife species also call the forest home, including cougars, mule deer, black bears, mountain goats, and many types of birds.

Evans Creek ORV Area

The Evans Creek ORV Area is one of the most popular places to ride an ATV in Washington. It's close to Buckley, which is in the foothills of Mount Rainier. As you ride the more than 40 miles of designated off-roading trails, you'll go through forests and meadows and climb up and down mountains. You might find that some of the trail sections are more challenging, so use caution when navigating your ATV. 

Riders can also spend the night at the campground, which has 23 tent sites, a water pump, and restroom facilities. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. To use this ORV area, you will need to purchase a Northwest Forest pass, which is available online. This outdoor park also features a covered picnic shelter that is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Owl Mountain Trail

The Owl Mountain Trail occupies the middle of nearly 10,000 acres of forested outdoor space. Although it's not currently rated, it spans 7 miles through the forest, and it may be too challenging for newer riders. Much of the terrain is hard-pack, although riders will come across some rocks, mud, and loose dirt in several sections. As you ride along the marked path, you'll see magnificent views of the surrounding vegetation, creeks, and mountains. Vehicles must measure no more than 64 inches in width to fit on the path.

This trail is close to the Canadian border and will take between three and four hours to navigate. If you drive slower on your ATV, you might spend half the day or more on the trails. According to some riders, a short, swampy section and rocky climbs are several of the most challenging aspects of this trail. Since this area isn't well-maintained, you may want to bring a small saw and shovel to clear the trail when necessary.

Before you plan your next ATV adventure in Washington, we suggest investing in the accessories you need for a more enjoyable riding experience. A set of ATV-mounted speakers from Wet Sounds will deliver crisp sound, allowing you to jam out to your favorite tunes as you're exploring the beautiful yet challenging terrain of the ATV trails in Washington.