Hole in the Rock

Total Miles 3.3
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Summer, Spring
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Hole in the Rock is a technically challenging trail that while only 3.3 miles in length, is nonstop obstacles. Heavy, very deep rutting throughout. A spotter is highly recommended. This trail is NOT accessible to full-size trucks or larger SUVs much beyond a 4Runner size. Tight turns and incredibly narrow paths through trees make it impassable by larger vehicles. The trail can be accessed from two points, either from FS 9712 off HWY 97 (recommended) or the city of Liberty. The trail begins with two deep horizontal ruts that you must take at an angle to avoid high centering. Your first left continuing on the trail is a steep mini boulder path. Airing down 100% recommended. There is a large staging area at the start of the trail to pull off and air down. Heavy mosquito presence, bring bug spray! The low-hanging branches, downed trees and dense shrubbery of this tight trail will pinstripe your vehicle. RTT's also subject to heavy scraping. There are some bypasses for the more challenging obstacles but not all. Small water crossing by a marshy pond that could potentially be much deeper after a good rain. The last .75 mile has sections of downhill on soft, silty ground with large rocks and a high potential for slipping in locations. AT&T 5G signal on the entire duration of the trail until hitting Cougar Gulch. The end of the trail (or start depending on which way you access it) offers a spectacular view of "Hole in the Rock". A series of rock formations overlooking a large valley with the "hole" being on the right formation which you can stand in.

Photos of Hole in the Rock

Difficulty

Heavy rutting up to 2+ feet deep, large rocks, tight technical turns, steep grades on large, rocky surfaces both up and downhill. Deep pits that drop 18" where one front tire will not be able to touch the ground (there is a bypass for this obstacle), potentially deep water crossing, and medium downed tree crossing.

History

Taking the 97 to FS9712 entrance, where the trail leads left, heading straight takes you to abandoned mine shafts. Look but do not touch!

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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PNW BACKWOODS OVERLANDING
May 09, 2026
Open
Road has a few technical spots and trenches from snow melt, loose rocks pretty step climb. would definitely recommend semi lifted vehicles with at minimum a rear locker or limited slip rear end. The trail had lots of down trees mostly cleared for passage now.
roadlesstraveled SXS
Jul 26, 2025
Open
Spent the weekend at Liberty WA. So many trails to choose from. Very fun and awesome views. Lots for random creeks and water features and wildlife to see.
Alan Holloway
Jul 19, 2024
Open
We did this trail a couple years ago during the summer. I wanted to chime in that I was able to get an F150 all the way thru this trail (back then). It was pretty rocky and a lot of off camber turns and tree roots sticking out. Having lockers definitely helped out. We did have a four runner without lockers and it made it thru, just took it a bit of shaking and cussing. The only real issue I had with was fitting between two trees. We had to build up some dirt around tree roots, push mirrors in, and I still took some minor damage on the mirrors and door handles, but we were able to squeeze thru. I've thought about checking this trail out again, but those trees and not knowing if I can repeat the last time have kept me away.

Hole in the Rock Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

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

Hole in the Rock Map

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