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.

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.

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.

Connecting Wenas and Ellensburg, Wenas Road is a wide, loose-gravel road with several long stretches of shade that provide relief from the summer heat. Along the route is the Umtanum Falls Trailhead, where parking is available for the approximately 2.5-mile, relatively flat hike along the creek to Umtanum Falls. Rattlesnakes are present in the area, particularly during warmer months.

Beyond the trailhead parking area, the road makes a sharp turn and begins climbing. The road narrows, with a graded hard-packed dirt surface and areas of loose small gravel. Vehicle speed should be kept under control through this section, as the loose surface can cause vehicles to slide, particularly on turns and grades. These conditions continue toward the intersection with Durr Road and the paved section of Umtanum Road.

The upper portion of the route parallels Umtanum Ridge Road. Towers near the intersection of Old Durr Road, Durr Road, and Umtanum Ridge Road are visible to the southeast. On clear days, views to the west and southwest include Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.

Birdhouses can be seen along portions of the road, and the area is commonly visited by birdwatchers, particularly during the spring and early summer.

There is no camping along this road.

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.

Newlands Road is a backcountry road in the Wenas Wildlife Area of central Washington, northwest of Yakima. It is part of the area's Green Dot road system, meaning motorized travel is restricted to roads specifically marked open for vehicles. Newlands Road cuts across rolling shrub-steppe, offering wide-open scenery and a quiet backcountry feel. The road winds between Cleman Mountain and Umtanum Ridge, passing sage-covered hills, scattered timber, Wenas Creek, and several opportunities to camp along the way. The best campsites can be found at the western end of the trail. Small loose rock, shallow ruts, and occasional climbs add just enough texture to the drive, while its connection between Jones Road and North Wenas Road makes it a useful piece of a longer overland adventure through central Washington.

This trail is part of the Washington Cascade Overland Route. Visit Overlanding Across Washington for more information, including which trails to take next.

Newlands Road is suitable for any high clearance vehicle.

Milk Canyon Road climbs out of BBQ Flats in the Wenas Wildlife Area, northwest of Yakima, trading the sheltered forest around the campground for increasingly open terrain as it works toward Cleman Mountain Ridge. The road is part of Washington’s Green Dot road system, where motorized travel is limited to designated roads, and the surrounding landscape transitions between ponderosa pine, dry shrub-steppe, and broad ridgelines typical of the eastern Cascades.

Despite its relatively short distance, Milk Canyon is a moderate 4x4 climb where the challenge comes less from large rocks and more from steep grades, very soft soil, and deep erosion ruts that can exceed a 16 inches in depth. The lower portion is predominantly loose dirt and sand, then gradually becomes gravelly, finally transitioning to a flatter, rockier surface near the ridge. Careful tire placement is important where the soft edges of the ruts can give way, and low-range four-wheel drive is appropriate for maintaining controlled momentum uphill and managing the descent.

As elevation increases, the trees begin to thin, and the reward becomes the scenery, with increasingly expansive views across the Wenas country and several places to stop and take in the surrounding ridges and valleys. The road eventually reaches the Cleman Mountain Ridge network, making Milk Canyon an appealing way to connect BBQ Flats with higher-elevation Green Dot roads rather than simply seeking technical obstacles. Access is seasonal, and travelers should verify the current gate status before entering the area, as portions of the Cleman Mountain area close during winter and early spring to protect wildlife and vulnerable roads.