Cultus Mountain Trail

Total Miles 10.5
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Cultus Mountain Trail is the test of an overland vehicle and its driver. It is not the toughest of the trails but it is consistently difficult and at times a bit unnerving. As you begin the trail you will be met with rocky terrain. This will continue throughout the journey. Further up, the trail narrows, and the incline increases. You will find yourself off camber quite often and looking down off the side makes it feel a bit perilous. This is a long trail so take your time. 4 wheel high should do the job for most of the trail. Keep an eye on your temps. The last stretch of the trail is more difficult. You will come up to a path of brush. The trail seems to disappear. This will be your last chance to turn around. It looks scarier than it is, so use 4 4-wheel low and send it. Once through the brush, there are two choices. There is a rocky outcropping to the right which is the Hard Way or going straight forward is the Easier Way. This is where the trail opens up and you will see the altitude you have achieved. The trees are few and far between on this shelf road, so just keep driving. Then you are there, at the top of Cultus Mountain, King of the Hill! The views are amazing and it is a good bet you are the only one there, spend the night, the sunrise is amazing. Push forward.

Photos of Cultus Mountain Trail

Difficulty

The trail has loose rocks throughout, and an uneven off- cambered steep incline to the top.

History

In 1925 a fire post was established it was abandoned in 1963.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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PJ Hale
Sep 13, 2025
Open
In total agreement on the pin striping. Both our vehicles, an lx450 and a sequoia, came out with their own special kind of detailing job. The rating seems right. A lot of off camber work and picking your way through cut logs. Near the top, an immediate right is a little harder than the other route. It’s not much different though. 4 lo was plenty. Lockers not needed. But pray that you don’t meet anyone on the way up or down. There are probably only 4 or 5 places for letting vehicles pass. The views were amazing.
Hogan Whittall
Sep 12, 2025
Open
Trail is open and easy for any 4WD with low-range and decent ground clearance, HOWEVER if you value your paint DO NOT ATTEMPT. The madrone is impossible to avoid unless you're in a SxS and you will end up with a lot of pinstriping.
Kyler T
Jun 29, 2025
Open
Very narrow for a full sized rig. You will get pinstriped on this trail. Has some stunning views of the lake below but be warned at the time of writing this the mosquitos are relentless and will swarm you. Take your time. Very few places to turn around and backing would be very difficult.
Lindsay DeVoll
Jun 08, 2025
Open
We unfortunately did not bring our chainsaw and could not make it to the top today!

Cultus Mountain Trail Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance

Cultus Mountain Trail Map

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