Oh boy! Washington is so spoiled with their extensive dirt bike riding trails which are just begging to be explored on 2 wheels.
The type of places that much of North America will never see because they’re lost in the abyss of Facebook and Instagram. Trust us – that’s no way to live an good life.
Just like you, we prefer the roar of a 4-stroke preferably at full throttle. With so many great riding trails around, you’ll be back on the seat in next to no time!
Best Dirt Bike Trails Washington
We looked far and wide for riding tracks in and around Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue and Kent. While they have some great MX clubs and tracks for closed-circuit racing and children’s skills development, we much love the wide-open nature of enduro trails. The type that you can explore with a buddy or two…preferably way behind you, right?
Further more, it’s our preference as dirt bike enthusiasts to find areas where you can camp overnight. This way you’re not having to drive home on the interstate after a tough day of riding through the terrain. That’s seriously tiring!
Through our research, these are the best dirt bike trails in all of Washington:
1. Mad River Dirt Bike Trails
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is one of the best places to ride dirt bikes in Washinton State and our pick is Mad River. There are trails here as far as the eye can see. Most of the riders who come here are a little more experienced but that doesn’t sotp beginners from rocking up and trying out these trails.
You’ll also find Miller Peak here which is rated quite highly by enduro riders for its rugged terrain. Both spots are really tight forested tracks where 1st or 2nd gear is most likely to be used. Your clutch finger is sure to get a workout here!
There are both paid and free options for camping with several areas set aside that have direct trail access. Most riders choose to use Goose Creek though they do charge a few coins to stay here overnight and without much in the way of facilities. Still – you’re in a world-class riding area and Mad River in our opinion is the best riding in all of Washington.
2. Capitol State Forest
With 89 miles of dirt bike trails to explore, Capital State Forest does make an excellent day trip provided you leave home early. There are two sections of the State Forest with only the northern half reserved for dirt bikes and they are banned in the southern section.
If you’re not keen to ride home after a tough day of riding, then you can stay overnight at the Middle Waddell Campground. This spot actually offers direct trail access and with 24 sites with a toilet provided, it allows you to get some decent rest. Unfortunately no showers.
A Washington Discover Pass will be needed before riding any trail within Capitol State Forest. Buy one before going into the park since there aren’t any self pay kiosks available. This region is closed during Winter and for much of Spring too.
3. Conconully, Washington
Conconully is well known among dirt bike riders of Washington for its mixed terrain. This is located within Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and under management from the Methow Valley Ranger Dististrinct. There are hundreds of miles to explore so we recommend bringing 2 to 3 extra fuel cans in the back of the truck for extra range.
If you camp at Conconully State Park, you’ll get direct trail access. There are about 60 sites and big RV’s (the toy hauler variety) are welcome here with good clearance from trees. If this is full then you can head to one of the numerous resorts, cabins or other campgrounds in the area. Nothing is more than 20 minutes away and there are services close too including fuel.
This is definitely the place where you’ll want to reserve a few days to explore every single trail and develop your skills behind the handlebars. Most riders rock up Friday afternoon and depart Sunday evening. It certainly gets busy on weekends though out on the trails you don’t see too many other riders because the forest is so spread out.
4. Blue Lake and High Lakes Trail Systems
The Blue Lake and High Lakes Trail System is pretty epic and we rank this quite highly, and it’s highly regarded among dirt bike riders of Washington for its varied terrain. Being quite mountaneous, it’s best for intermediate and experienced riders who are grouped together for safety.
Our pick for a campground here is the North Fork Campground though there are serval others worht checking out such as Cat Creek. This spot is so far removed from civilization that you’ll want to spend a few days here soaking it up and away from social media and all the troubles of the world.
You’ll need to get a Permit ahead of time as well as area maps. You’ll be rewarded immensely with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. This region is open for half the year, closing in Winter and for much of Spring.
5. Batey Bould Dirt Bike Trails
Head to Batey Bould if you’re looking for an excellent day trip. There is some really challenging terrain here that’s ideal for the experienced rider. This is near Little Pend Oreille and actually ties in with this trail system, so it’s best to do both trails on the same day. Pack a GPS so you don’t get lost.
This place is open throughout Summer and partially in the shoulder seasons. There are four campsites which means you’ll want to come in early. It’s best to call the Ranger before you head in to avoid disappointment, but you could always go over to Little Pend Oreille if it’s full.
6. Tahuya State Forest Trail System
Well known among 4×4 enthusiasts is the Tahuya State Forest Trail System. With almost 200 miles of trails to explore, you’re going to need to set aside an entire weekend to make it through everything. You get the choice here of dust in summer or mud in the rainy season. What’s your choice?
Most riders just time their trip for a few days post heavy rainfall. This makes for the perfect environment. This gets really busy on weekends so aim for a mid-week ride if you can and choose either Mission Creek or Elfendahl Pass as your staging area. Camping is available here in several places with most people choosing Tahya River Horse Camp, though it’s best to call before you rock up incase they are running events.
7. Evans Creek ORV Area
Let’s say you want the best of both words: Some easy single track to navigate paired with some tight technical trails with nerve-racking off-camber sections. Well – you’ll find that at Evans Creek ORV Area. When you’ve conquered each section, you’re rewarded with the most breath-taking views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding landscape.
If you’re keen to stay the night, then you can stay in he designatued campground within Snoqualmie National Forest. There are 23 sites with a vault toilet but no showers unfortunately. Both riding and camping will require a Northwest Forest Park and you can get these online in advance to avoid disappointment.
8. Walker Valley ORV Area
Walker Valley is North of Seattle yet isn’t rated no where near as high as many others on this list, but worth the mention! There are many technical trails here which are best done as a group rather than tackling this on your own. That said – dual-sport and adventure riders tend to visit here often looking for some epic camping opportunities and some genuine solitude without needing to commit to a long day behind the handlebars.
There are almost 40 miles to explore on 2 wheels which makes this area primed for a day trip. Like many places on this list, you’ll need a Washinton State Discover Pass to get inside. The camping areas are primitive but there are vault toilets available but no showers, unfortunately. Again – this spot is best for those looking for an easy day trip from Seattle given that you can get on the trails within the hour.
9. Jones Creek Trail System
The Jones Creek Trail System has been around for almost 50 years now and has one-way forest trails which makes things much safer for beginners to the world of dirt biking. Better yet – these trails are rated so you won’t wander into a section that you’re not ready yet. Pro-tip: Take a phone of the map at the entrance with your cell phone before you go riding off to explore.
Jones Creek is within Yacolt Burn State Forest and there are dozens of miles of loose single track which is maintained by the Jones Creek Trail Riders Association volunteer base. A Discover Pass is needed and yes, this is the same one for the State of Washington National Parks. Get yourself an annual pass and you’re set for the year.
Now, you can’t camp at the staging area though if you drive about 15 minutes away then you’ll find Dougan Creek Campground. Only tent sites here but there is a toilet and a very popular swimming hole to wash off the mud from a day of riding.
10. Mission Ridge
Up for the mission? Because you’ll find it at Mission Ridge where more than 50 miles of single track through tight forest trails are waiting for you. While the surface is hard-packed, you’ll have trees clipping your handlebars and some gnarly hill climbs to make things interesting. Watch out for the sharp drop offs too on the edges of the mountains.
Unfortunately, Mission Ridge is closed for most of the year to dirt bikes and ATV riders. This is due to elk calving season. No camping facilities noted but there are spots within the National Forest nearby worth exploring.
11. Little Pend Oreille ORV Trail System
With almost 70 miles to explore on 2 wheels, Little Pend Oreille is worth the trip. The pine forests also make for excellent camping. This is near Batey Bould so it’s best to do both in the same journey by bringing extra fuel.
The trails are faster than typical forest tracks so you’ll see 3rd or even 4th gear on occasions. There are some man-made jumps too if you’re into pushing the limits a little too.
12. Ahtanum State Forest
We’ve left one of the best spots until last! For the enduro rider who wants to see their top-end gears (because you haven’t really hit 5th recently, have you?) then Ahtanum State Forest is ideal. There are some open sections that really let riders let the throttle loose with 70+ miles of great trails.
Much of this spot is for 4×4 use but you can share the trails here quite easily, but just slow down in the blind corners. One of the best things about this spot is that you can actually ride and camp for free. There aren’t that many places in Washington that allow this! However, you’ll need to get a Discover Pass first which you can claim online.
Getting Started
Yep – it’s really time to get started. Clearly Washington has some epic dirt bike tracks around. If you are keen to get out there, then the time is now (provided you’re not reading this in winter, of course). Likewise, if you haven’t yet bought a dirt bike, then you’re in the right place.
Frontaer has been helping the offroad motorcycling community for a while now with some of the best gear around town. We’re also more than happy to show you where to go riding instead of keeping these spots secretive like other sites.
From here, it’s time to get out there and explore. If you’re from out of state, then the locals are quite friendly and receptive to those coming in to explore the region. There are also some Facebook groups of local riders from Seattle and Spokane if you need some new riding buddies.
