Trail Overview
Sunrise Trail is a short, technical point-to-point off-road trail within the Elbe Hills State Forest. Spanning roughly 0.6 miles with a modest elevation gain of around 167 feet, this route starts with a challenging hill climb that demands careful tire placement. Drivers will navigate several sharp turns and tight squeezes between trees and old-growth stumps, followed immediately by a narrow trench section where rocks, tree roots, and mud holes up to two feet deep require steady throttle control.
Beyond the tight trench, which presents a high likelihood of trail-striping or paint scratches on wider rigs, the trail makes a sharp left turn and transitions into a significantly easier drive. While currently passable by mildly modified 4WD vehicles with decent ground clearance, planned trail revitalization projects aim to add more technical obstacles to increase the difficulty. To make a full day of it, connect Sunrise Trail to Mainline, Alder Loop, Mainline Extension, Gotcha, and Rainier Vista, or test advanced skills on the nearby Busy Wild trail.
Access Description
Access to the Elbe Hills State Forest ORV area requires a Washington State Discover Pass, which must be clearly displayed on all vehicles. The trail system is managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While technically open year-round, winter snow and heavy seasonal rains can make trails impassable or subject to temporary closures, so checking local DNR conditions before departure is highly recommended.
