Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Ellensburg, Washington

Although this trail is a fairly short drive from Ellensburg, you will soon feel like you've been transported to the old west. Once you leave the paved Umtanum Road and get onto Durr Road you…
Learn more about Durr Road to Umtanum Creek Camp

The Wenatchee area in Central Washington offers a scenic and moderately challenging off-road experience using Hanson Road, Observatory Road, and Hudson Road. This trail network winds through a mix of pine forest, shrub steppe, and…
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This length of the trail was primarily dirt and gravel, however, there were multiple sections of slushy snow remaining on the main trails. Directly on the main train was a snow block that was deemed…
Learn more about Naneum Ridge State Forest Day Trip

Umtanum ridge road is a dirt road with a few deep rutted sections. There are multiple switchbacks as you continue up the hills and as you come down. There is a small bridge crossing with…
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This trail begins off the pavement of North Wenas Road, where you'll find signage, a map, and posted rules. It climbs steadily into the hills, passing through a gate that must be closed behind you.…
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Ainsley Canyon Road winds through the scenic L.T. Murray Wildlife Area in central Washington, offering an accessible yet rewarding off-road experience. This green-dot road is open seasonally from May through mid-December and is best explored…
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The off-road trail through the LT Murray Wildlife Area via Watt Canyon Road and Page Pasture Road offers a scenic and rewarding drive for those exploring with onX Off Road. The trail begins from Watt…
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This trail winds through a thick forest and carries a rating of 1. There are no obstacles, except for cattle standing in the middle of the path without any need to move. Many trail areas…
Learn more about Lower Coleman Road

Dawson Canyon Road in Naneum Ridge State Forest is a great introductory off-road route that gradually transitions from an easy forest drive into a more engaging climb. The lower section is a well-maintained logging road,…
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Hutchins Road is an easy 12-mile dirt and gravel trail. This multi-use trail is accessible in both directions, allowing for varied adventures. The ridge provides stunning views, and visitors can enhance their experience by looking…
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This trail is on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife-owned land, and a Discover Pass is required to travel in the area. This is a dirt trail that is extremely dusty when dry and a…
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Cooke Canyon Road in Naneum Ridge State Forest offers a fun and scenic off-road climb that's approachable for most high-clearance vehicles. The trail begins with a smooth, well-graded dirt surface, though the first mile is…
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Tyee Road is a moderate dirt and gravel route in Naneum Ridge State Forest, linking Cooke Canyon to Coleman Canyon as part of Washington DNR's Green Dot Road System. It's primarily used by high-clearance 4x4s,…
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Dawson Road (also known as the Dawson Road Reroute) in Naneum Ridge State Forest offers a classic Central Washington off-road experience with a steady climb up to around 5,000 feet. The route is primarily gravel…
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This trail is mostly dirt with some rock garden sections and minor wash/ruts. The trail steadily climbs to the top of a ridge with a 14 percent pitch at one point, but once you make…
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This trail is located in Naneum Ridge State Forest and features compacted dirt with occasional sharp basalt rocks. During the summer months, dust can become a significant issue, so it's advisable to maintain a safe…
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This riding area does not open until May 1st. The trail is on a mostly well-groomed forest service road, but you might come across some loose rocks and a few potholes. This 7-mile stretch connects…
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Newlands Road is a dusty roads with loose rocks. There are some uphill spots where loose rocks could be a problem, however for the most part it is just a dirt road. There are a…
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The Green Dot road is a two-vehicle-wide, hard-packed dirt road with no obstacles. It winds along the ridge, providing 360-degree views in several spots. Wildflowers were in full bloom, and we briefly spotted two elk.…
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This trail offers an inclined drive through a high-desert landscape, following the crackling of power lines above you, with a great view of the Wanapum Reservoir to boot. The Terrain is a mix of fast-moving…
Learn more about East Fork Road - N3320

This is the beginning 3-mile section not yet mapped on Manastash Road. This is a wide, well-maintained dirt and gravel forest road. This section runs from approximately 2600 ft elevation to 3175 ft of elevation.…
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The trail showcases rocky slopes, rolling ridges, and canyons, predominantly covered by shrub-steppe habitat. It features hard-packed dirt. The terrain transitions from high desert landscapes to alpine forest. Numerous viewpoints provide stunning vistas of the…
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Parke Creek Road is a 5.3-mile point-to-point trail beginning in the Kittitas Valley and ascending to an intersection with Beacon Ridge Road just beyond a gate. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for access.…
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This trail winds through the Naneum Ridge State Forest and has a difficulty rating of 1. There are no significant obstacles, aside from the occasional cow that may want to stand in the middle of…
Learn more about East Fork Road

This can be a day or overnight trip between Libery and Lion's Rock Outlook. There are several spurs to explore along the way. The road is basic gravel up to the junction to the meadow…
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Jones road has a few small obstacles, most of which have been cleared, but may require caution. For the most part, this trail is pretty easy going despite the incline. Snow would make it more…
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This trail places you on a rugged ridge line within the Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area, specifically along the network of "Green Dot" roads that overlook the Columbia River. This specific section of the trail is…
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This is an easy route off Liberty Road (at Liberty Campground) that connects to a number of 4x4 trails as well as unlabeled hiking trails. The route does pass through a small section of private…
Learn more about Deer and Pine Gulch

The trail commences with a spacious entrance capable of accommodating two full-width SUVs. As you journey further, the path gradually narrows into a single lane, winding through rocky terrain, occasional potholes, and a network of…
Learn more about Upper Boulder

This route offers a stark, rugged alternative to the forested trails of the Cascades. The trail runs along a high plateau, providing some epic views and spaced-out camping spots. You may encounter deep ruts, steep…
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