|
|
HORN RAPIDS - RICHLAND, WA |
| |
|
 |
One of the best places in the state, and was our
favorite in the state. It’s located 3 miles NW of Richland on SR 240, and
about 1 hour south of Beverly Sand Dunes (see below), it’s a 4-hour trip
from Seattle. There is camping, restrooms with showers, and riding for
everyone. The soil is on the sandy side which will create ruts after a full
day of riding, but the tracks are groomed regularly and watered often. If
you have a bike, there is a great MX track with a lot of jumps, tabletops,
step-ups, whoops, and whatever else they can throw at you. There is also a
pee-wee bike track that offers the same type of riding for the little ones.
If it’s a 3- or 4-wheeler that you sport, you’re going to love the 2 ATV
tracks! The main ATV track (next to the sand drags) has been recently
modified (Mar 2002). We were up there over Easter weekend for a quick visit,
and couldn't resist checking out the track. After walking the track here's
what we saw... It's much longer than before with a couple of long tables, a
few double sections, a long set of whoops that aren't too nasty, banked
corners for a sweet slide, a lot more jumps, and room to go around the big
obstacles if that's more to your liking. We were excited to see such
progress in less than a year and realize that there is still quite a bit to
do. The city is working hard, on a limited budget, to build us a very nice
track and we greatly appreciate it. We're looking forward to getting back up
there with our quads to test it out. The other ATV track is more of a
wide-open TT style track that lets you carry a lot of speed thru the big
sweeping corners and elevation changes. This track is great for beginners
who don't wish to do any jumping just yet, or for groups with all different
ability levels. We would like to say "Thanks" to the city of Richland, Jeff,
Summer, Steven, David, and the rest of the Quad Squad members for working so
hard in the new track configurations. Along with these tracks, there is also
a Sand Drag area, a 4X4 obstacle course, a go-kart track, a jet ski
obstacle/race area, and a model airplane flying field. Oh, did we mention
the few hundred acres of trails that are also available to ride on? The
facility is no longer run by the city of Richland, but through private
ownership. There are now user fees for the tracks and spectators
on practice days...
OTHER WASHINGTON RIDING AREAS |
|
CAPITOL STATE FOREST - OLYMPIA,
WA |
| |
One of the most popular areas in Western
Washington for trailbiking. There are over 100 trail miles in the northern
half of the forest. The southern half has trails for horses and hikers only.
The Thurston-Grays Harbor ORV Sports Park is adjacent to the forest at the
north end. Trails from the park connect with the forest’s trailbike system.
Capitol Forest is open daylight hours only with seasonal restrictions. There
are no user fees and their mailing address is Department of Natural
Resources, 1405 Rush road, Chehalis, WA 98532.
OTHER WASHINGTON RIDING AREAS |
|
WALKER VALLEY - MT VERNON, WA |
| |
A popular riding area with Trial bikes, Dirt
bikes, Quads, and Jeeps mostly because it’s the only legal area north of
Tacoma, and west of the Cascades. Trails intersect logging roads and are
marked for vehicle use type. Elevations range from 500 to 3000 feet, with
spectacular views, when it’s not raining. There is truck and trailer parking
available, restrooms, and a lot of evergreens. Walker Valley is located
about 75 miles north of Seattle, off of I-5. It’s open riding all year,
daylight hours only, no camping, and no user fees. Their mailing address is:
Department of Natural Resources, 919 N. Township St., Sedro Wooley, WA
98284.
OTHER WASHINGTON RIDING AREAS |
|
TAHUYA STATE FOREST - TAHUYA, WA |
| |
|
 |
Is said to offer riding that is best during
the rainy season – at least for trailbikers. The area is covered by glacial
till and outwash gravels, (lots of rocks) ideal for rainy weather
trailriding. In the summer, riding can be a little dusty. There are trails
for dirt bikes, quads, and for short- and long-wheelbase four-wheel drives.
All four-wheel drive trails have been built by volunteers. There are a lot,
and I mean a lot, of trails, skinny trails, wide trails, and open trails. If
you like trails, you’ll love Tahuya. Just don’t forget your hip waders and
yellow rain jackets. There are several parking areas, with the main one
being asphalt. There are also restrooms, large covered picnic areas, and
several campgrounds. Tahuya State Forest is located about 45 miles SW of
Seattle. If you take the ferry across Puget Sound, it’s a lot shorter.
However, you spend about as much time and it does cost a little more than
driving around the Sound. They’re open year round, daylight hours only, and
no user fees. Their mailing address is: Department of Natural Resources,
28329 SE 448th St., Enumclaw, WA 98022
OTHER WASHINGTON RIDING AREAS |
|
SPOKANE COUNTY ORV PARK -
SPOKANE, WA |
| |
|
 |
Features a variety of 4-wheel drive,
off-road, motorcycle, go-kart, and ATV events throughout the year. The park
is located 1 mile North of Highway 2 on Hayford Road; about 1 mile West on
Sprague Road. Phone (509) 456-4730 or (509) 244-9244. The motocross track is
open 6 days a week from March through October. On the motocross track there
is an $8 fee for riders. While you’re there, take an extra day and check out
Airway Heights. We finally made it up to Spokane and although we didn't have
our quads with us, we still went out to the park. The go-kart track was
closed, but looked pretty nice. The motocross track looked good. They have
it set up for a shortened version for night racing and the longer version
for the day. A long whoops section, big tables, and some good looking
doubles. Next time we'll have our quads with us. For more info on the MX
track check out
www.extmotorsports.com
The ORV Park mailing address is: Spokane County ORV Park, West 1115
Broadway, Spokane, WA 99260
OTHER WASHINGTON RIDING AREAS |
|
BEVERLY SAND DUNES - BEVERLY, WA |
| |
Approximately 300 acres of open dunes. It’s a
great place to take the kids for the first time in the sand. There are some
larger dunes, but our little LT-80 test riders didn’t have any problems.
This is a primitive area with out-houses, no user fees, but a flag is
required. If you’re planning on checking out Beverly for the first time,
bring the sun block, plenty of water, and paddles are not a requirement.
Temperatures can get into the 100’s during the summer months of July and
August, so plan accordingly. Beverly is located on the East side of the
State, about 3 hours from Seattle, just follow I-90 east to Highway 243
south and follow 243 south past the first dam (Priest Dam?) then turn left
(east) on Crab Creek road and follow for about 5 miles to the entrance on
your right.
OTHER WASHINGTON RIDING AREAS |
|
MOSES LAKE DUNES / GRANT COUNTY
ORV - MOSES LAKE, WA |
| |
|
 |
|
Another dune area in Eastern Washington. It is a place visited
by many, unfortunately, disrespectful party people make it a
dangerous place to be on any holiday weekend. Paddle tires work
good here, but not a necessity. The sand is mixed with Mt. St.
Helen’s ash from her eruption in 1980 (a little history for you
out-of-state riders), however we’ve never noticed any chain or
plastic damage from it. There is around 2000 acres of riding,
but developers are slowly buying out some of the land on the
perimeter. We’ve ridden out here all throughout the year,
spring, and fall are easily the most comfortable, summer
temperatures can reach into the 100’s but you can always cool
off in the lake. Winter riding is pretty good too. This would be
a good time for paddles; there is pretty much no moisture in the
sand, despite the 20-30 degree temperatures. There are
restrooms, just watch out for the vandalized ones. You can camp
anywhere, although we don’t recommended it. The small town is
just a few miles away with several hotels, fast food places and
a Safeway. There are no fees, just don’t forget your flag. It’s
a good place for quads, rails, and bikes of all sizes. Lots of
good dunes to jump off and some moderate bowls. It’s also very
scenic with the lake right there. |
 |
|
 |
OTHER WASHINGTON
RIDING AREAS |
|
|
