The Pacific Northwest is one of the best regions in the United States for ATV enthusiasts. The hardest part about riding here is probably deciding where to go next– because there are so many diverse trails and campgrounds to choose from. In Oregon alone, there are 54 designated and managed ATV riding areas and trails to discover!

In this blog post, we’ll share some of our favorite ATV trails in PNW to help you narrow down your search and gear up for your next adventure.

How to Find the Best ATV Trails

One of our favorite ways to find new ATV trails is to talk to other riders and ask for recommendations. This will help you find hidden gems and ATV trails that are a bit more off the beaten path, plus you’ll have a better idea of what to expect if you can hear about it directly from another rider. You can also ask people working at ATV shops where you buy your gear (like our ZMP team members!), as they are likely avid ATV riders themselves.

Another option is to do some online research and look through websites and directories, including the following popular sites:

• StepOutside.org
• U.S. Forest Service Interactive Trail Map
• RideCommand (or the RideCommand phone app!)
• RiderPlanet USA
• Mudslinger
• TrailLink
• BikeSure
• State Government Websites

If you’re looking for trails in your local area, you can also search for “ATV trail” on your phone’s map. This is a good way to find less popular/busy trails.

Keep reading for our specific trail recommendations!

Our 5 Favorite ATV Trails in Oregon

Oregon is an unbeatable place to ride ATVs; you can find all types of trails, terrain, and scenery here– oceanside dunes, towering mountains, deserts, dense forests, raging rivers, and so much more!

Although it’s tough to narrow it down, here are five of our favorite places to ride in Oregon:

1. Bennet Pass SnoPark and Trailhead in the Mt. Hood National Forest is an 11-mile trail that’s great for beginners. In the spring and summer, you can see tons of wildflowers and stunning mountain views (Hood, Adams, and sometimes the Three Sisters) from this scenic trail. In the winter, it’s sometimes closed due to heavy snowfall, so be sure to check on the conditions before you head out!
2. There’s nothing quite like riding an ATV on some larger-than-life sandy dunes. In Oregon, the best place for dune-blasting is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in northern Florence. Some of the dunes here reach up to 500 feet tall! Around the dunes, some trails take you through pockets of coastal forest and along the Pacific Ocean.
3. In central Oregon, just miles from Crater Lake National Park, you’ll find Prospect OHV. This area has 250 miles of trails that take you through the beautiful wilderness of the forests along the Rogue River. This area has trails to match almost any skill level.
4. Browns Camp OHV is located on the eastern edge of the Tillamook State Forest on your way out towards the Oregon Coast. Here, you’ll find 250 miles of trails that are clearly marked and rated for every level, from beginner to advanced.
5. Another favorite ATV destination in Oregon is the Hood River Country OHV trails. Of all the incredible trails here, Binns Hill Staging Area is a local favorite. If you’re riding with kids, this is a great option!

Our 5 Favorite ATV Trails in Washington

Washington is another favorite destination for ATV riders, with countless trails through breathtaking old-growth forests. All in all, the state of Washington is home to at least 2,000 miles of OHV trails and 10,074 miles of county roads open to Street Legal ATVs.

Here are our top 5 places to ride in Washington state:

1. The Ahtanum State Forest in Yakima County is home to more than 70 miles of old logging roads and trails for four-wheelers to explore. There are several seasonal campgrounds in the forest with direct trail access, so it’s the perfect place to stay and play for the weekend.
2. Naches and Greenwater OHV Trail is located in the beautiful Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. This is a historic trail where the pioneers passed through in covered wagons in 1853.
3. Located in the Cascade Mountains of Southwest Washington, the Yacolt Burn State Forest is a 90,000-acre timber-generating forest with many opportunities for off-road adventures. There are countless trails to explore here, including the Bradley ORV Area, the Jones Creek ORV Trailhead, Deep Pen Trail, Mountain View Trail, and Hagen Creek Trail, just to name a few favorites.
4. Cle Elum Ranger District in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is another popular area for off-roading in Washington state. For beginners, there’s a great ATV loop at Manastach Campground. ATVs are also allowed on all the 4x4 trails in this area.
5. Last but certainly not least, the Capitol State Forest has 89 miles of motorized trails. One of the most popular ATV trails here is the Rock Candy Trail, which ascends to a summit with wide open views of the Puget Sound and the Olympia Mountains. You can stay the night at the Middle Waddell campground and make a weekend out of it!

5 Campgrounds With ATV Trails in the Northwest

When looking for campgrounds with ATV trails, the Northwest region of the United States is tough to beat. You can camp at many of the trails in Oregon and Washington highlighted above, as camping is permitted at designated OHV Staging Areas. However, visitors must display a Recreation Pass on all vehicles parked at the site for each day they plan to visit.

If you’re looking for more established campgrounds with additional amenities, here are some of our favorite options:

1. Oregon: In the state of Oregon, one of our favorite areas for ATV camping is the Blue Mountain OHV Trails in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. There are three campgrounds to choose from here: Oregon Campground, South Fork Campground, and Elk Creek Campground. The area features 50 miles of trails on soft dirt and clay, which is great for intermediate ATV riders.
2. Washington: Located in Washington State, Evans Creek campground and ORV Area has over 40 miles of designated off-roading trails of varying difficulty looping through beautiful forests, mountains, and meadows. Keep in mind that this is a rustic campground with no electrical hookups.
3. Idaho: Egin Lakes Campground is located near the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, the largest dunes in Idaho. This 10,600-acre playground of shifting, white quartz sand, is an incredible place to ride. The campground is the perfect home base for all kinds of outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-roading.
4. Montana: There are three different campgrounds to choose from near Hungry Horse Motocross Track in Montana: Doris Creek Campground, Lost Johnny Point Campground, and Emery Bay Campground. Because this motocross track features a couple of miles of ATV trails, it’s a great destination for those who love to ride both motocross bikes and ATVs.
5. Wyoming: Shell Creek Campground is located in the Bighorn National Forest. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, fishing, scenic driving, and off-roading, as well as a number of historic sites. The Big Horn Mountains are home to nearly 1200 miles of trails, including 188 ATV trail miles.

Essential Gear for ATV Trails in PNW

Although riding in the Pacific Northwest offers unbeatable scenery and endless adventure, the conditions can be unpredictable– and wet. If you’ll be riding in the rain, you may want to invest in some ATV parts and accessories such as a full-sized windshield, a roof, a secure storage case, etc. You’ll also want some weather-resistant ATV apparel, such as waterproof riding boots, a rain jacket, and anti-fogging riding goggles.

Everything You Need For ATV Trails From ZMPerformance

Here at ZMP, we carry all the ATV parts, accessories, gear, and apparel you could possibly need! As avid riders ourselves, we understand that you want to get out there with your new gear as quickly as possible, which is why we do everything in our power to deliver a seamless experience from start to finish. We stand behind each and every product and brand we carry so that you can ride with maximum confidence.