Saddle Mountains Racetrack

Total Miles4.2
Technical Rating
5Moderate
Best TimeSpring
Trail TypeHigh-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Saddle Mountains Racetrack is an exciting, sandy trail on the southern slopes of the Saddle Mountains near Mattawa, Washington, ideal for off-road riders looking to experience a historic racing course. Once home to a legendary 100-mile enduro race, this 4.2-mile trail offers riders a mix of soft sand, quick whoops, and tight turns on Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation lands. The route begins near the staging areas on Road R Southwest and winds north toward the higher slopes, reaching elevations between 1,049 and 1,956 feet. While the eastern section of the original circuit is now closed on private property, the remaining open segments provide an engaging, fast-paced ride. Drivers should stay alert, as the trail is faint in places, making a reliable GPS map crucial for navigation. This four-wheel-drive route features a technical rating of 5, defined by soft, off-camber terrain and steep sandy slopes rather than technical rock obstacles. Off-highway vehicles, SxSs, and dirt bikes will find plenty of room to play, but operators must exercise caution near the numerous ravines and steep drops where cliffs can suddenly appear without warning. Basalt outcrops dot the landscape, and local rockhounds frequently dig deep pits in search of petrified wood, creating unexpected hazards along the route. Staging is available at the Bureau of Reclamation parking lot, or at a busier Bureau of Land Management site just to the north on Road R, both of which serve as excellent basecamps for a two-hour adventure.

Photos of Saddle Mountains Racetrack

Difficulty

There are no obstacles other than the hazards of your speed and the off-camber, steep, soft slopes on this route. Connecting routes are Difficult, however with extremely steep slopes, deep pits from people digging for petrified wood, large basalt rocks, very tight ravines with no run-in to hill climbs, and super steep sandy slopes with intermittent boulders, plus frequent cliffs if you go off-road.

History

This trail preserves a usable section of the historic 100-mile Enduro Race course. While the eastern end of the original loop has been fenced off as private property, the remaining course on the southern slopes of the Saddle Mountains continues to see active off-road use.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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Kim Wiessner
Apr 06, 2024
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Dusty

Saddle Mountains Racetrack Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

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

Saddle Mountains Racetrack Map

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