Washington Trails

Stampede Pass is a mountain pass through the Cascade Range, just south of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington. Its importance to transportation lies almost entirely with railroads, as no paved roads cross it. The pass was originally created to build and maintain the railways that traveled in both directions across the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. The incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountain range make this 12-mile offroad trip worth the time.

Traversing the mountain spine of the Cascades, connecting western and eastern Washington, the Naches Trail is a demanding trail known for its technical terrain, stunning alpine scenery, and deep historical roots. Naches began as a Native American trade route and later served as a settler wagon trail, a military route, and a cattle path. The Longmire wagon party crossed it in 1853, and Jeep clubs revived it in the 1950s, preserving its legacy as an offroad trail. Though once proposed as a state highway, it remains undeveloped, offering a raw driving experience that winds through dense forests, opens to sweeping ridgelines with views of Mount Rainier, and passes through peaceful meadows. Proudly wearing the distinction as a Jeep Badge of Honor, Naches is a seasonal trail that delivers a blend of challenge, beauty, and heritage that defines Pacific Northwest off-roading.

Lonesome Lake is a beautiful crystal clear alpine lake that is located at the top of FR-75. The name of the lake was adopted in the winter of 1935 when a young couple that made many trips to the lake got in a huge quarrel and split up. While Johnie and Clyde were split, Clyde went to the lake where he ended up snowed in with 8 feet of snow. While sitting lonesome by the fire one night he grabbed a piece of steel heated it up and wrote the words, "Lonesome Lake" on a piece of wood and nailed it to a tree. The name took like glue and today the lake is visited by more than 4000 people per year. The incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountian range make this 15-mile trip well worth the time. On a clear day, there will be many opportunities to take some stunning photos of majestic Mount Rainier.

NF-7720, just outside Wilkeson, WA, is in the Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest. This road is a 15.39-mile journey to "Cedar Lake" overlook. Cedar Lake is landlocked with no road access. There is a hiking trail at the end of the trail that you can take down to the lake for a truly magical experience. The road is picturesque and presents various challenges throughout the year. The trail can become muddy with early snowmelt in the spring and late fall rains, adding an element of difficulty for travelers. It winds through a network of Forest Service roads, offering stunning overlooks of Mount Rainier to the south, Tacoma and the Puget Sound to the west, and, on a clear day, the Canadian Cascades to the north. As travelers venture further, the last couple of miles become increasingly rugged, featuring a steep Hillclimb that leads to the end of the trail and the lookout onto Cedar Lake. Vehicles and passenger cars with high clearance and four-wheel drive may need help to navigate this demanding terrain. Additionally, the road travels through old-growth forests, providing a scenic and immersive experience for those who brave the journey.

Spada Lake trail crisscrosses over Olney Creek as you climb up to Sultan Basin and Spada Lake Reservoir, surrounded by the Bald and Blue Mountains in this peaceful and windy wooded forest. Enjoy the quiet scenery of Spada Lake, or make a day of it and hike to Grieder and Boulder Lakes, which begin at the South Shore Recreational Site.

Fortune Creek trail is located just North of Roslyn, Washington (home of the hit TV show "Northern Exposure"). It is only accessible for four-wheel drive vehicles from the middle of June till November. With the trail connecting to several other great trails in the area, it makes for an excellent day trip. It is a very easy nontechnical trail that can be enjoyed by any four wheel drive vehicle with adequate ground clearance. This trail follows an old mining road that was cut back at the turn on the century in search of gold. If you look carefully you will still see Federal mine claim signs just off the trail and old rusted mining equipment. At the end of the six mile trail, you will be surprised to find beautiful Lake Gallagher. This trail is filled with beautiful vistas, large mountains, and many areas to camp and explore.

NF-6808 is an easy trail that takes you from the southern edge of Washington, near the Columbia River, into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. A nice area with light trails, that is welcoming for newcomers and experienced travelers alike. While it lacks in challenges, NF-6808 leads you on to further adventures deep in the forests and mountains of Washington. This trail is part of the Washington Cascade Overland Route. Visit Overlanding Across Washington for more information, including which trails to take next.

Tahuya State Forest ORV area is a 4x4 destination for both beginning offroaders and seasoned veterans. While this forest trail system does have man-made​ rock gardens, for the most part, the only hindrance to stock vehicles would be the depth of the standing water in the winter months. Of course, if you are stock, or only slightly lifted, you might want to remain a spectator at the rock gardens since they were put in for more modified rigs. Tahuya has been nick-named "2-Wheel Tahuya" as most of the trails are fairly easy. But in the last few years, that has started to change. There is not really a good map produced that shows all of the trails in this park. The park is a confusing mixture of 4x4, motorcycle, and ATV trails. Other trails are restricted to walking and mountain biking. Tahuya South Loop takes you on a journey through what used to be an untouched forested area but is now clear-cut. Expect to hear your springs popping and undersides scrapping since this trail was designed to max out your suspension.

Are you ready to get into a remote wilderness seldom traveled? Skok Wynoochee Crossover, FS-2300, in the Olympia National Forest, starts north of Belfair and travels through wonderful old-growth and timber management areas. Several small, deep, clear ravine lakes would be fun to explore. The road winds 32.90 miles ending at Wynooches Lake, 35 miles north of Montesano. This area is very remote, so plan your fuel usage accordingly since Montesano is the closest fuel point. While no campsites were noted along the trail, smaller spur roads should provide excellent camping areas.

Located in the northern portion of the Wenas Wildlife Area, about 10 miles south of Ellensburg, Washington, Durr Road is a trail with scenic views and local historic significance. The trail begins atop Umtanum Ridge, near a radio tower, and continues down into the valley below, crossing Umtanum Creek by a small bridge at the bottom. After completing the climb following the creek, a look behind reveals a magnificent view of the valley you just traveled through, including the switchbacks that lead Durr Road into failure. During the 1870s, as roads continued to improve, settlers began claiming land in Eastern Washington. Shushuskin Road was part of that route, carrying mail, freight, and passengers over 150 miles from Dalles, Oregon to Ellensburg, Washington. An alternate route was built by Jacob Durr in 1882, which crossed the Umtanum Ridge from the Wenas Valley, before rejoining the Shushuskin Road. Although the bypass saved travelers 10 miles from their journey, the route was quite steep and required turntables; platforms that allowed a wagon and its horse team to turn at the switchbacks. Between the difficulty and the high cost of $25 annually, the toll road did not see much use. As one stagecoach driver concluded, “There is no hell in the hereafter; it lies between The Dalles and Ellensburg.” The trail is now much tamer than it was in its inception. It’s now both a pleasant day outing, as well as a great addition to a much longer trip. This trail is part of the Washington Cascade Overland Route. Visit Overlanding Across Washington for more information, including which trails to take next.

Greenwater Road, FS-70, is a Forest Service road that allows access to the Naches Trail, Pyramid Pass, and Stampede Pass. The road is mostly maintained and climbs in elevation to 4,800 feet, ending at "Government Meadows Horse Camp." Although designed for those with horses, there are no restrictions on its use.

55 Trail is in the Tahuya State Forest ORV park outside Belfair, WA. The Tahuya State Forest ORV area is a popular 4x4 destination. This park was designed for beginning wheelers up to seasoned trail veterans. Trail 55 is located at the southern end of the park beginning on access road G-3000. 55 Trail has man-made obstacles making it significantly more interesting. The trail undulates with deep opposing holes designed to flex your vehicle's suspension, so be listening for the pop of your springs as your rig is stretched. The 15 man-made rock obstacles spread throughout the trail have a bypass to allow stock vehicles to try these obstacles. This trail is perfect for beginner drivers to gain experience on rocks.

Trail #102 is within the Evans Creek ORV and part of the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie Forest. This trail is one of a dozen available in this park for off-road vehicle use. With over 45 miles of trail riding, Evans Creek ORV is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway. Trail #102 is one of the more challenging trails, with steep elevation climbs and nail-biting narrow turns that are incredibly tricky with high sides. Roots and trees are begging to snag a fender, a mirror, or scratch a hard top. Trail #102 is a trail you won't soon forget. 

Trail #519 is in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest within the Evans Creek ORV park area. It is one of a dozen trails in this park designated for 4x4 use, forming over 45 miles of trail riding. Trails are well marked and rated from Easy to Most Difficult. Trail #519 climbs to the highest point in the park and is a must-ride on sunny days for stunning vistas of Mount Rainier and the surrounding peaks and valleys. Combining those views with hill climbs, off-camber sections, and an unforgiving stump obstacle makes this a trail to remember. 

Trail #520 within the Evans Creek ORV area is one of a dozen trails designated for 4x4 use for over 45 miles of trail riding. Evans Creek is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway. Trail #519 is one of the more exciting trails, with steep elevation climbs, nail-biting narrow turns, and snow at higher elevations, depending on the time of year. There are also many views of nearby Mt. Rainier and other alpine vistas. Trails are well marked and rated from Easy to Most Difficult. This trail is one of the park's most difficult due to its hill climbs, switchbacks, nail-biting off-camber sections, and tight and twisting turns through 4-6 foot deep root walls. You will remember this trail, whether with reverence or because of the body damage. 

If you are down for some "Nail-Biting" hill climbs that will have your passengers looking for hand-holds and some "Oh-Sh#t" moments, this trail is right up your alley. Once at the top, the views of Mt. Rainier in the distance and the surrounding valleys are spectacular. Guard Station is one of many trails located in the Liberty OHV area. Along with a few others, this trail is located on the west side of US Highway 97. These trails are significantly harder than those in the rest of the Liberty OHV on the east side of US Highway 97.

Mowich Lake Road, Highway 165, is located in the Snoqualmie Mt. Baker National Forest, five miles south of Wilkeson, WA. This gravel 17-mile dirt road climbs to just over 5000 feet and ends at Mowich Lake in the Mt. Rainier National Park. On your way to the lake, there are fantastic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding hills and valleys.

Along this road is Evans Creek ORV, a dedicated 4x4 park with marked trails for 4x4 vehicles, quads, and motorcycles. This park has a fantastic campground with over 40 campsites and vault toilets.

Set in a glacial basin surrounded by beautiful wildflower meadows, Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in the Mount Rainier National Park. There is non-motorized boating and fishing at the lake. The Mowich Lake campground is located near the parking area and supports tent camping only. There is access to many hiking trails, including the Pacific Crest trail which traverses the U.S. from Mexico to Canada. This campground is one of the many overnight stops the distance hikers use.

Because this road travels into the Mt. Rainier National Park, there is a fee to travel to the lake when you enter the park at about the nine-mile mark. The fee is paid using cards at a kiosk as you enter the park. The fee for traveling to the lake is $30 per vehicle and is good for seven days. You can also pay online before you visit. Because of the easy access, the lake is very crowded on weekends.

This road is only open seasonally from mid-July to mid-October, depending on snowfall.

Reiter Foothills Forest is a 4x4 Recreation area with trails designated for 4x4's, ATV's and motorcycles. There are 8.6 miles of trails for 4x4 use with about twice that amount in the planning stages. Reiter is noted for its quality rock crawling trails rated up to the 9-10 range. Lover's Lane is a trail that is a lot of fun with a small qualifier to get over to get started. This trail has some very interesting boulders that have to be negotiated, but there are bypasses for those that are not feeling it. The trail wanders through a mature forest with many twists and turns that might be difficult for some longer wheel-based vehicles. This is the most interesting trail for most not looking for rock-crawling.

If you are looking for an out-of-the-way place to wheel, explore mountainous terrain, and test your driving skills, this is the trail for you. The trail starts on a Forest Service road and steadily climbs through an old-growth forest. At the time of this writing, deadfall trees were blocking the trail. A chainsaw would be a good idea early in the season, as you might be the first one here. There are off-camber areas that can cause white knuckles and rocky hill climbs that may require ground guide assistance. Two more trails in the area are equally challenging, making this area a great way to spend a day.

Trail # 311 is located in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest within the Evans Creek ORV park and is one of a dozen or so trails available in this park designated for 4x4 use, for a total of over 45 miles of trail riding. Trails are well marked and rated from Easy to Most Difficult. This trail has one of the most beautiful views of Mt. Rainier if you are lucky enough to be here on a sunny day. The trail winds up through a mature dark forest, following along and above the access road that leads to the campground. While the rating isn't significantly high, you will still have to contend with tight, twisting turns around trees and stumps. There are some hill climbs that, while not difficult, might make you pucker just a little. 

Liberty-Beehive Road is a 30-mile forest service road that starts in Liberty, WA, and travels north and west along the upper reaches of the Liberty ORV. The first 10 miles are in excellent condition. After passing the intersection of FS 9716, the road gets progressively more narrow and difficult until, at mile 22.4, there is a landslide. The local jeep clubs repaired the trail up the slide. Beyond the slide, the trail becomes more difficult. 

The beautiful views looking north into the Wenatchee Wilderness area are stunning. The sunsets and sunrises are something to behold. There are many places to pull over and camp, with many elk camps along the road. After the 30-mile drive, the route exits onto Squilchuck Road, where you can visit Squilchuck State Park and the Mission Ridge Winter Sports Area. The only exit back to civilization is to travel north on Squilchuck Road 25 miles to Wenatchee. 

84-S is located in the Tahuya State Forest ORV park. The park has approximately 20 miles of trails with all difficulty levels, from easy routes for the beginner to huge rock climbing obstacles designed for highly modified buggies. The park is located about five miles from the town of Belfair, Washington. 84-S is one of the more technical trails with tight turns and root systems to navigate.

While this is a working timber forest with clear-cut sections that aren't very pretty, many other areas of this forest are truly magical. There is even a small stream that beavers are managing.

Tahuya State Forest ORV is an excellent destination for a full day of exciting wheeling for all experience levels.

Starting on WA Highway 410, scenic Huckleberry Creek is a scenic road that gradually climbs to 4900 feet over 15.2 miles. Huckleberry Creek Campground has numerous dispersed campsites that can support trailers and small RVs. This first-come-first-camping area is very busy during the summer months. The road narrows as it climbs along a ridgeline with sweeping vistas overlooking the valley below. Huckleberry Creek intersects with Twenty-Eight Mile Creek. If you want further exploration, you can follow Twenty-Eight Mile Creek south, ultimately leading to the alluring Lonesome Lake. If not, turn north on Twenty-Eight Mile Creek, which takes you back to WA Highway 410.

FS-5730, located in the Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest, exits the campgrounds at the end of North Fork Snoqualmie Road and travels 4.5 miles further into the forest. The trail crosses the North Fork Snoqualmie River and then travels up to an elevation of 2600 feet through old-growth timber. Several side roads go further up, probably resulting in camping opportunities. The road ends at a large campsite just a few yards off the river. This road gets no maintenance, so having a log-clearing ability might save your trip from disappointment.

Riff-Raff is in the Tahuya State Forest ORV park outside Belfair, WA. The Tahuya State Forest ORV area is a popular 4x4 destination. This park was designed for beginning wheelers up to seasoned trail veterans. Riff-Raff has tight turns around trees threatening to kiss your fenders. During the winter and early spring months, the challenges are large water obstacles. While water usually isn't considered an obstacle, throw in hidden underwater root systems, and you might have your hands full. The trail travels through a beautiful pine forest, one of the last untouched areas in the park not logged for timber. The natural beauty of this trail makes this one of the more beautiful areas of Tahuya.

In the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, FS-7400, also known as Nisqually Loop, is a captivating forest service road spanning an impressive 31 miles with plenty of breathtaking views. The road meanders through lush greenery, with towering trees providing a majestic canopy overhead. The road unveils stunning vistas of rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and glimpses of distant mountain peaks at various points. On the back side, the road travels along the Little Nisqually River and provides incredible camping opportunities. The road does dead-end at a gate that is usually locked. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an avid photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, FS-7400 promises an unforgettable experience with its stunning beauty and serene atmosphere.

The Mine to Market Trail, 4W305, follows an​ old turn-of-the-century mining road used to get into the upper reaches of the surrounding mountains. Nine switchbacks climb steeply up the mountain. This trail has a caretaker who owns a cabin at the beginning of this trail. His family made a mining claim before the turn of the century, and by continually reapplying for the claim, he can keep his family cabin. He is responsible for keeping this trail open and has made continuous improvements. The cabin is at Waypoint 3. If you are traveling on a weekend, beep your horn as you pass by and look for a wave. During an interview, he stated that he always looks out for those traveling up his trail. If he doesn't see them come back down in an hour, he is on the move to see if they are in trouble.

Rattlesnake is a wonderful trail located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This and its sister trail, Little Rattlesnake, are well hidden and don't see a lot of traffic. This trail climbs up alongside "Rattlesnake Creek" sporting high volcanic bluffs towering above the river through old-growth forest, and then after beautiful views, travels down into the creek drainage, crossing several jeep bridges and puts you right alongside the creek and rushing white water. The trail wanders back and forth close to the creek, driving past several beautiful dispersed camping spots. The trail ends where the walking trail continues at a campsite sporting a large fire pit next to the river, allowing easy swimming access.

Nestled within the lush greenery of the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest, Trail #198 awaits adventure seekers in the Evans Creek ORV area. The trail is part of a network of twelve trails designated for 4x4 use, offering over 45 miles of thrilling rides amidst the rugged terrain. As you embark on your journey, the trail passes through old-growth forests filled with switchbacks, narrow turns, and a few steep inclines that test the limits of your driving skills. The old-growth timber growing magnificently in all directions stands tall and straight, creating a truly majestic atmosphere. Trail #198 is an ideal trail for beginners to start their 4x4 journey, as it provides ample opportunities to build their confidence in their driving and vehicle capabilities.

In the Mt. Baker / Snoqualmie National Forest and part of the Evans Creek ORV Area, Trail #197 is one of a dozen trails designated for 4x4 use for over 45 miles of trail riding. What you won't find on this trail is any time to relax. With its tall drop-offs, 6-foot root walls, and severe off-camber sections, you'll be lucky to get away with your fenders. This trail is rated the hardest in the Evans Creek ORV, and if you need a challenge and something to brag about, you might try this trail in reverse and turn those drop-offs into challenging climbs. 

Once you leave Trout Lake, NF-8810 takes you back into the forest. Waypoint 2 directs you to designated camping early on, so you can start this trail early in the morning after a night's rest. Otherwise, continue with your journey. With over 15 miles in length, Sleeping Beauty brings you up along the western side of the Mount Adams Wilderness, ultimately ending at NF-23, a paved road. There are two significant hikes near this trail. The first is Sleeping Beauty Peak. Sleeping Beauty is a challenging hike that, while only 1.3 miles in, gains nearly 1,400 feet in elevation. Atop the peak, you are rewarded with views of Mount Adams and Indian Heaven Wilderness. You'll also cross the Pacific Crest trail twice. The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,653-mile hiking and equestrian trail that spans between the Mexican and Canadian borders. Being greater in length, this trail is a nice change of pace, allowing you to cruise along, heading further north towards Mount Adams. Views of the mountain may be possible through the trees, but if you miss out, there are plenty of views from trails further on. This trail is part of the Washington Cascade Overland Route. Visit Overlanding Across Washington for more information, including which trails to take next.

Experience the Tacoma Pass along the Stampede Pass Overland Route: This is one of several trails in this area of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and was originally created to build and maintain railways. Drive under the old railways that traveled in both directions across the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. Excellent hiking access to the Pacific Crest Trail can also be found along Tacoma Pass.

Pit Overlook (4W321), nestled within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, is a captivating 4.5-mile-long trail that forms a part of the Liberty Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) park. This scenic route offers a delightful journey through the forest, with gentle variations in elevation keeping the ride exciting yet manageable. As you traverse along Pit Overlook, you'll be treated to breathtaking views that extend to the south, revealing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. However, one notable feature that adds an element of thrill to the experience is the off-camber shelf road, which can be intimidating. With its sideways tilt, this winding road might make your heart skip a beat, but it also adds a sense of adventure to the journey. Despite the exhilarating moments, Pit Overlook remains an enchanting trail that showcases the beauty of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and provides OHV enthusiasts with a memorable offroading experience.

Are you ready for a hill climb? Trail #310, located in the beautiful Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, is one of a dozen trails in the Evans Creek ORV just 10 miles Southeast of Wilkeson, Washington. This trail has a very long, drawn-out hill climb with 15 - 20 inch boulders laying loosely in the path. At the last part of this hill climb, you will feel like you are in a spaceship blasting off with only the sky in your windshield. Get a good look before you commit and memorize the terrain. Once at the top, there are grand views of the surrounding mountains and valleys just north of Mt. Rainier.

Pooch Peak, NF 7920, is mostly gravel and may have standing water in places during the early Spring and Fall. This road connects with many of the trails in the park, providing the ability to move quickly from one end of the park to the other. The trail is almost 6 miles from end to end and gains about 500 feet in elevation. At mile marker 4.1, there is a washout with a makeshift primitive bridge. Inability to navigate this obstacle may prevent access to Trail #199 and Trail #519. However, both trails can be accessed from Evans Creek / NF-7930. Along the way, there are areas to pull over and play in the mud or test your vehicle's climbing ability in the gravel pit. This trail is suitable for 4x4 vehicles with some lift. Many of the connecting trails may have higher difficulty ratings.

In the Mt. Baker / Snoqualmie National Forest and part of the Evans Creek ORV Area, Trail #199 is one of a dozen trails designated for 4x4 use for over 45 miles of trail riding. Trails are well marked and even rated from easy to most difficult. Trail #199 winds up through old-growth forests with switchbacks with tight and narrow turns, and the hill climbs can be pretty intense. This trail would be an excellent one for a beginner to gain confidence in their driving and vehicle's abilities.

Driveway is a great 4x4 trail in the Reiter Foothills Forest is an excellent introduction to rock crawling. The obstacles are constant and are placed in a way that forces you to choose a line. There are no bypasses and no reward for driving around them since the trail is short and designed with obstacle navigation in mind. The Reiter Foothills Forest is a 4x4 Recreation area with trails designated for 4x4's, ATV's and motorcycles. There are 8.6 miles of trails for 4x4 use, with about twice that amount in the planning stages. Reiter is noted for its quality rock crawling trails, and they are rated 9-10 for sure. But there are other more tame trails, like this one, with plenty of tight twists, stumps, and roots to keep the driving interesting.

Van Epps Loop Trail is in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This area is a great getaway from city life to unwind and enjoy the beautiful scenery in a peaceful setting. You can experience the undeveloped forest, clean streams, and if your lucky, get a glimpse of some deer or elk. Van Epps Loop is an alternate trail off of Van Epps Pass trail, located just North of Roslyn, Washington (home of the hit TV show "Northern Exposure"). It is only accessible for four-wheel-drive vehicles from the middle of June until November. Van Epps Loop provides an alternate route with wonderful views of a mountain top that is peacefully setting above an open meadow with lots of flowers and a small creek running across the trail and down onto the meadow.

South Fork Tieton Road is a 12.7-mile drive into the wilds of the Rimrock Recreation Area. Starting at Rimrock Lake, the road is single-lane pavement for about 6 miles, then turning to dirt at a snow gate. This gate is open from May 1st through November 1st. Following the South Fork Tieton River, this road provides staggering views of the high cliffs guarding the river. There are four large dispersed campgrounds along this road, starting with Lower Bakeoven, then Grey Creek, Minnie Meadows, and ending at Conrad Meadows. The road continues at Conrad Meadows but is marked as close to vehicle traffic, so please only explore further on foot. For those looking for a challenge, close to the end of the road is FS-1070 which intersects and takes you further up into the highlands east of the South Fork Tieton River.

There's nothing 'Little' about Little Brushy Creek Road unless it's the clearances through some of the brushy sections. This Green Dot road offers users a wide range of experiences, from sections of steep and slippery rocks down a ridgeline with gorgeous views, to off-camber corners, to lush valleys and thick brush, deep water crossings, abundant grasslands, and even some portions of easy dirt road. Little Brushy Creek is a fun and challenging road that gets you closer to the water and is best suited for a high clearance 4x4 with deep water fording ability. Pinstriping along this trail should be expected. Generally, the Green Dot road system allows for camping within 100' of any marked road. However, there are no established locations along this trail that would make for a good campsite.

Green Dot Roads are a collaboration between DNR, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and private landowners to provide opportunities for dispersed recreation such as camping, hunting, off-road vehicle riding, and wildlife viewing. Green Dot roads are the legal motorized routes and marked with a round green reflector on a white route marker. You can find current mappings that will include seasonal and other closures at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands/green-dot. A Discover Pass is required for portions of DRN land that are included in Green Dot road maps.

In the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, FS-7409 is an exhilarating forest service road stretching for approximately 10 miles, offering adventure seekers a thrilling journey filled with steep hill climbs and breathtaking views. The trail has awe-inspiring vistas to the east, showcasing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. One of the highlights of FS-7409 is the magnificent sight of Mount Rainier, which stands proudly on the horizon. Along the way, this road intersects with FS-7400, providing access to the picturesque Little Nisqually River and camping opportunities for those seeking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. Combining FS-709 with FS-7400 makes a huge 42-mile loop for a complete afternoon of exploration. With its challenging terrain, stunning vistas, and camping possibilities, FS-7409 is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.

Twenty-Eight Mile Creek starts on FS-70 just past the shooting pit and travels just over 14 miles to an elevation of 4800 feet. The road then reconnects with WA Highway 410, creating a large loop. The scenery that unfolds on Twenty-Eight Mile Creek is nothing short of awe-inspiring, offering an opportunity to immerse oneself in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature's untouched splendor. This captivating road unveils breathtaking vistas of a concealed valley. While no campsites are along the road, many spur roads undoubtedly lead to lookouts and fantastic camping opportunities.

Paralleling a section of the Pacific Crest Hiking Trail, Cabin Creek North offers a different route from Interstate 90 to Tacoma Pass. This scenic detour runs on the opposite side of the washout of Cabin Creek. Even though the two halves of the offroading trails no longer link up, driving on both sections still makes for a whole day of adventure near the town of Easton, Washington.

Cabin Creek Road was named after the historic town, which was established as a sawmill camp alongside the main line of the Northern Pacific Railway (now the Burlington Northern Railway) in 1916. The town was situated east of the railway's tunnel in the Stampede Pass.

In the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Ashford, WA, FS 85 starts as a well-traveled track through lush old-growth forest and travels 22.5 miles to over 4400 feet. This is a significant logging road, so please watch for any logging activity. The first part of the road is paved, but no maintenance has been done since an earthquake in 1995, so the road heaves and pitches in spots. The trail turns to gravel and is very well maintained. About nine miles in, the road becomes more primitive, with a few partial washouts that have been marginally repaired. A 4x4 vehicle is required. Once at the top, the road winds into a beautiful valley and intersects with FS-47. No significant camping areas are directly on this road, but many connecting roads undoubtedly lead to fantastic views, providing excellent camping opportunities. You can expect snow in the upper elevations past 3600 feet in the late fall and early summer, stretching well into July.

Pole Creek Road is a 6.4-mile trail in the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest. It is a fun trail with difficult sections and provides great views.

The first part of this trail consists of graded dirt and is relatively easy. The road becomes much more difficult at the intersection of Dirty Pole Road, FR 6305511, but this is where the excellent views begin. The trail becomes quite narrow, with several steep slopes.

There are many excellent views of the lake and the valley in this last section of the trail, and several campsites of various sizes.

Please be advised that the end of the road is the end of the gpx file for this road. The road is shown to continue on various maps, but in reality, it is extremely overgrown and is only passable for 100 feet before it dead ends, with little room to turn around. Also, maps may show a road down the ridge towards the lake, but this road is on private property and has several no-trespassing signs, so it should not be entered.

Overall, this is a fun trail, with excellent views and somewhat difficult obstacles to make it interesting. This trail is great for people who want to experience beautiful sightseeing locations, explore more technical terrain, or want to find a quiet campground near great views.

Beacon Road is a fun little rough road that starts in the Wild Horse Wind Farm in Central Washington. You'll start by driving through the wind farm near the wind turbines, which are quite impressive when you get up close. The road to each turbine is gated off, so stick to the main Beacon Road trail. As you exit the Wind Farm facility, you'll enter the Quilomene Wildlife area. Views on this road are a gorgeous mix of the best Central Washington can offer. You can expect wide expanses of open areas followed by a fun drive through trees. 

On a dry day, this road offers no real complications other than occasional rough road and ruts, suitable for any vehicle with medium to high clearance, but could be run in 2wd. With rain and/or snow, this may become a very difficult or impassible route, depending on your vehicle's capabilities. There are multiple pre-existing campsite areas along the trail, many of them large enough for decently sized groups and almost all of them well spread out for privacy. 

Please note that this trail is listed as Beacon Road on the local signs, but it goes by several names depending on the map source. Examples include Quilomene Ridge Road, Beacon Ridge Road, Park Creek Road, and Caribou Road.

Green Dot Roads are a collaboration between DNR, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and private landowners to provide opportunities for dispersed recreation such as camping, hunting, off-road vehicle riding, and wildlife viewing. You can find current mappings that will include seasonal and other closures at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands/green-dot. A Discover Pass is required for portions of DRN land that are included in Green Dot road maps.

High Rock, FS 8440, located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest a few miles south of Ashford, Washington, takes you to two popular hiking trails, High Rock #266 and Greenwood Lake #253. These top-rated hiking trails climb to even higher elevations. This straight-through road connects FS-85 and FS-84, climbing through lush old-growth forests to its highest elevation of 4308 feet, with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and valleys below. At the top of the climb is a large parking area with stunning views of the cascades to the east.

There is one camping spot about two miles in on the road, but many side roads offer different camping areas.

The road has water runoff damage, but the effects are minimal with a 4x4 high-clearance vehicle. 

Whistler Creek Road is the first trail in the Stampede Pass Overland Route and features the Kelly Butte Lookout. The lookout was first built in 1926, then replaced in 1950, and manned until the 1980s. Today, it’s a one-mile-long hike to the lookout, with views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Stuart. The drive ends with a pair of secluded dispersed campsites with great views of their own. Stampede Pass Route is a 32-mile mountain pass through the Cascade Range, just south of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington. The pass was created to service railroads that traversed the Cascade Mountains. Today, it covers several well-maintained forest roads with ample room and views throughout.

Located in the Mt. Baker / Snoqualmie National Forest and part of the Evans Creek ORV. Trail #196 is one of a dozen trails designated for 4x4 use for over 45 miles of trail riding. Trails are well marked and even rated from easy to most complex. This trail challenges the driver and vehicle with demanding, rocky hill climbs. The trail climbs up to 4000 feet in elevation, connects with Trail #197 and Trail #198, and gives you access to Trail #520. After the hill climbs, the trail levels out and takes you through beautiful old-growth timber. The spring flowers are something to behold.

Hutchins Road in Washington State is a picturesque thoroughfare that begins in the charming town of Ellensburg and winds its way through the stunning landscape of Kittitas County. The road is well-maintained until you enter the Murray Wildlife Area. Take it slow and steady through this rocky section. In the early spring months, this section of the road will probably be a muddy mess. This scenic road provides easy access to the Manastash Recreation Area, making it a popular route for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The road starts at a gate for the Murray Wildlife Area and is only open from May 1st - December 14th. As Hutchins Road continues on its journey, it eventually crosses into the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest and connects with Mastash Road/FS-31, offering a seamless transition for those looking to explore the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that abound in this region. With its convenient access and breathtaking surroundings, Hutchins Road is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure and tranquility in the heart of Washington State.

In the Gifford Pinchot National Forest just outside Packwood, WA, FS 63 is a well-maintained forest service road that climbs up and around Purcell Mountain to over 4500 feet. The road travels through beautiful groves of old-growth forest with a mix of hardwoods, and if you are lucky enough to be traveling in the Fall, the yellow leaves contrast with the darker evergreen trees. There are beautiful views of Mt. Adams to the south and Mt. Rainier looking north, as well as a vast view for miles to the west that seems to go on forever. The road connects with FS 47 after a beautiful 15-mile drive down the other side of the mountain. An excellent connector road would be onto FS 85 for a 22-mile drive to Ashford, WA, and the Mt. Rainier National Park entrance on U.S. 706.

While no camping spots are close to the road, many side roads look to lead to fantastic views with better camping opportunities.

Sears Creek Road is a 4.17-mile trail along the White River. The easy trail has plenty of nice views and campsites.

Most of the trail is gravel or graded dirt, with small to medium-sized potholes. In a few areas, streams have flowed over the road, causing ruts in dried mud. One area in the second half of the trail has very deep ruts caused by water flowing down the road, but this area is passable in a stock SUV with minimal ground clearance.

There are excellent views of the mountains rising out of the river valley, and a short walking trail at the end of the road takes you down to the river.

Many short pullouts lead to campsites off of the road. The majority of these sites have fire rings and ample room for parking. There is also a large parking area with several campsites near the river at the end of the road.

Sitkum Sol Duc Road (FS 29) has to have an amazing history. One agency has it listed as a paved road, and parts of it still are; you can even see sections where it was wide enough for 2 lanes, including the paint lines, but it's definitely fallen into disrepair due to heavy rains in the past few years. Overall, the road is in good condition, gravel for most with sections of old pavement, but the pavement is showing its age and has lost quite a bit of the base and subbase layers leaving the shoulders prone to cracking under weight.

FS29 starts near Forks and *would* take you all the way up to Highway 101 if it went all the way through. You'll start down in the rainforest with mossy trees and deep shade, continuing up until you're traversing a ridgeline with open sky and gorgeous views of the National Forest off to the side. It continues back down on the north side of the mountains but, unfortunately, has experienced some severe washout sections that are impassable down near the intersection with Bonidu Peak road. There's no way out of this portion of the road currently, so your only choice is to retrace your path all the way back out by Forks, or you can take Hole in the Wall/Hunger Repeater Road or Sitkum Sol Duc Connector to their exits further north. Camping areas are basically non-existent save for one section near the intersection of Sitkum Sol Duc Connector, but it would be difficult to stay there without impeding traffic in some way, so be courteous and plan accordingly on this road.

The Olympic National Forest has plans and a budget for repairs to FS29 and expects them to occur during the summer of 2025. Nine planned areas of repair are involved, so blockages and construction should be expected throughout that summer, with a full reopening slated for late fall.

Green Pass/Naches Tie connects several important trails in the Stampede Pass Overland Route and ties into the Naches Trail while providing stunning views of Mt. Rainier. This section of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has many camping opportunities and connects Plum Creek Road and Green Divide (South) to complete the overland experience of Stampede Pass.

Green Divide North is an important trail that connects Tacoma Pass to Plum Creek on the Stampede Pass Overland Route (SPOR). Most people only travel a few miles on this trail as part of their overland journey. However, those who choose to explore the entire trail will be rewarded with a narrow yet spectacular drive through old growth in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The trail's other half, Green Divide South, is also part of the route and connects travelers to complete the SPOR.

Manastash Road, known as FS-31, located in the Okanogan-Wenatche National Forest, stretches gracefully for 18.9 miles, embarking on a journey from the charming town of Ellensburg, Washington, and winding its way west to the majestic Quartz Mountain. Most of the road is well maintained, but in the upper elevation there is no maintenance done, so it gets a bit rocky and uneven. Along this scenic route, adventure beckons with easy access to the renowned Manastash 4x4 trails, where rugged terrain meets the thrill of off-road exploration. This route allows easy access to the Moon Rocks and the playful Funny Rocks play area, where you can test your rig on some technical Rock-crawling. Manastash Road is a gateway to endless possibilities, where the beauty of the Pacific Northwest unfolds in all its splendor.

Green Divide South is part of the famed Stampede Pass Route. Along the way are two hikes: Colquhoun Peak and Pyramid Peak. Colquhoun is a half-mile hike with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain, reaching a peak of 5,144 feet. There, you may find the remnants of the Colquhoun Lookout, which was constructed in the 1930s and removed in 1958. Unfortunately, due to treasure hunters, little remains of the lookout. Pyramid Peak is a 1.5-mile-long hike leading to 5,636 feet elevation. The first mile of the trail is shared with the Pacific Crest Trail, a hiking trail that covers 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada.

Stampede Pass Route is a 32-mile mountain pass through the Cascade Range, just south of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington. The pass was created to service railroads that traversed the Cascade Mountains. Today, it covers several well-maintained forest roads with ample room and views throughout.

The Sitkum Sol Duc Connector road goes between the Sitkum Sol Duc Road (FS29) and the South Fork Sol Duc Road. Starting at FS29, it traverses a ridgeline for a few miles before cutting over and running along the side of the mountain for a bit. About 4 miles from FS29, there's a severe landslide at the moment with a significant drop down the mountain if you don't make it. Take this section seriously and plan your approach across it. 4WD would be required at a minimum for this, and a narrow vehicle and/or short wheelbase would have an easier time due to the layout of the rocks

Aside from the landslide, the road surface is mostly gravel and in reasonably good condition. Traffic on this route isn't enough to keep the brush at bay, so be prepared for pinstripes or a bit of work with some cutting tools to widen the path enough for your vehicle.

Camping is mostly non-existent on the road, though there are a couple of pull-off spots that might do in a pinch if you're looking for a spot or really like the view.

Hole in the Wall connects Cooper Ranch Road with FS29 and gives you a great little beginner drive with some lovely views as you get closer to FS29 and start to run along the ridgeline there. The road is comprised mostly of gravel and mixed with potholes, with rough spots where it's loose and presents traction issues. You may wish for 4WD and at least a little bit of clearance for rocks on this drive.

There are some pretty mountain and forest views as you proceed up the road, alternating sides of the ridgeline so your driver and passengers get views throughout the drive. Dispersed camping consists of a few closed-down road spurs that are large enough to pull off for a night of camping if needed.