Washington Off-Road Trails

Lava Basin is a short spur branching off Lava Creek #46, offering some of the best dispersed camping opportunities in the area. This secluded route winds quietly through dense evergreens, opening up to a wide, flat clearing perfect for groups or overland setups. A smaller, more private site lies just a bit farther in for those seeking solitude. The approach is mostly easygoing, though one rough and narrow section may challenge stock vehicles or larger rigs. Beyond that point, the trail quickly tightens and becomes impassable despite recent clearing efforts. This is a peaceful destination that creates an ideal spot to set up camp, enjoy the quiet forest, and soak in the cool mountain air. Lava Basin is all about the camping, offering the kind of tucked-away charm that makes it easy to stay longer than planned.

South Fork Gold Creek is a quiet and scenic forest road that winds deep into the Wenatchee National Forest northeast of Chelan, following the namesake creek through a lush valley framed by towering evergreens and misty ridgelines. The well-graded gravel surface makes this route accessible to nearly any high-clearance vehicle, offering an easy but immersive backcountry drive. Occasional potholes, ruts, and washboard sections keep drivers alert, while small pullouts along the way invite exploration or dispersed camping beside the creek. Wildlife sightings are common in the early morning and late evening hours. During wet weather, the shaded forest takes on a moody, Pacific Northwest atmosphere. Whether used as a connection to higher elevation trails or simply a relaxing detour into the woods, South Fork Gold Creek is a quintessential forest road experience. It is peaceful, accessible, and beautifully remote.

N61F Scoop is a peaceful backcountry connector that winds through the dense evergreen forests of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Packwood, Washington. This well-maintained gravel route provides a scenic and easygoing drive beneath towering Douglas fir and hemlock, with filtered sunlight flickering through the canopy and the occasional glimpse of surrounding ridgelines. The road’s gentle grades and wide turns make it accessible for nearly any high-clearance vehicle, though washboard sections and loose gravel are common. Although dispersed camping is allowed in the area, no suitable, previously existing campsites can be found. While not technical, N61F Scoop delivers a classic Pacific Northwest forest-road experience: calm, remote, and immersed in the smell of pine and damp earth, ideal for an easy escape into the woods.

FS 7038110 provides an alternative route around the north side of Pyramid Peak, as opposed to Green Divide (South) to Green Divide/Naches Tie, trading predominantly northerly views for expansive views to the south, southwest, and southeast, including Mount Rainier and the Pyramid Creek Valley toward the Puyallup River Valley.

The western end is the most challenging section, climbing through several switchbacks along a narrow dirt-and-gravel shelf road. The first dispersed campsite is located at the initial switchback, while the fourth switchback marks the most difficult portion of the climb, and then transitions to a predominantly gravel surface. Beyond the switchbacks, the road climbs to a more level traverse around the peak.

Nine dispersed campsites are found throughout the route and along intersecting spurs. Several are located in elevated positions with excellent mountain and valley views. 

This road is best suited for a high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle. Larger vehicles, those towing overland trailers, or low clearance vehicles may prefer entering and exiting from the east near 47.1240, -121.4012, avoiding the tighter switchbacks of the more challenging western side.

5 Road is a 7 mile point-to-point trail within the Elbe Hills State Forest and gives access to camping and the Elbe Hills OHV area. The trail is a well-maintained forest service road with only small mud holes and no obstacles. There are many hiking and horse trails that cross this road, so take caution while traveling in this area. 5 Road is a seasonal trail and is typically opened from March 15 to September 1.

Divide Lateral is a short, dead-end two-track camping spur off Divide Ridge that starts out rough with a rutted and uneven surface before smoothing out as it climbs the hillside. The route transitions to mostly dirt and gravel, with a short rocky section near the hairpin turn. Three dispersed campsites are located along the spur: one near the first bend, another near the final bend, and a third at the top.

The climb is relatively easy, although low-hanging branches and encroaching vegetation make light pinstriping likely and may require folding in or repositioning mirrors. Each campsite offers elevated views over the surrounding valley and mountains, though weather and cloud cover can limit them.

For overland trailers, the first site is the largest and most maneuverable, allowing up to three trailers and rigs to fit here.