Trail Overview
Stensgar Mountain is a scenic 56-mile loop in northeastern Washington that offers offroaders an engaging excursion through varying terrain from valley floors to high mountain ridges. Ideal for street-legal four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and dual-sport motorcycles, this route connects the communities of Chewelah, Addy, and Valley, ascending from a minimum elevation of 1,609 feet to a peak of 5,776 feet. Drivers will experience a transition from paved county roads to maintained gravel, which eventually degrades into primitive, rocky two-track and dirt surfaces in the higher elevations. This route is typically passable from May through October, as heavy snowpacks block the higher elevations during the winter months, when the route is frequented by snow-track vehicles.
The trail demands careful planning, as street-legal licensing is required for the paved county segments, which in Stevens County is met by an off-road designated license on your OHV, and drivers must possess a valid license. With an elevation gain of over 5,180 feet and a technical rating of 3, the route presents minor challenges including occasional muddy sections, loose rocks, and steep climbs with gradient angles up to 17 degrees. Multiple staging options exist to access the loop, including areas near Highway 395 in Chewelah or Addy, Highway 231 in Valley, or the Locke Road staging area along the Addy-Cedonia Road closer to Stensgar Mountain. This loop provides sweeping views of the Colville National Forest and surrounding peaks, making it a premier choice for those seeking a full-day adventure with a blend of historical mountain roads and diverse trail conditions.
Access Description
Paved county road segments require street-legal vehicles or OHVs equipped with an off-road designated license in Stevens County, and all operators must be licensed drivers. The higher-elevation segments are not maintained in the winter and remain blocked by snow outside of the primary riding season, which runs from May through October.