The Garage

Where to ride

Where to ride in Washington

8 official riding areas and the permits Washington asks for, each from the managing agency's own page and dated. Areas close for fire, weather, seasons and repairs, so check the page before you go.

The state program

DNR Recreation (motorized recreation trails), run by Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

DNR has more than 400 miles of motorized recreation trails for you and your family to enjoy

DNR Recreation (motorized recreation trails), official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Permits and stickers

What the state's own pages say riders need, residents and visitors alike, quoted word for word.

  • Residents

    Washington ORV registration (Department of Licensing)

    You must carry the ORV registration in the vehicle at all times while it is being used in Washington state.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Non-residents

    Home-state ORV use permit or registration (RCW 46.09.420(4)(a))

    Off-road vehicles owned by a resident of another state that have a valid ORV use permit or vehicle registration issued in accordance with the laws of the other state. This exemption applies only to the extent that a similar exemption or privilege is granted under the laws of that state.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Non-residents

    Limit on the non-resident exemption (RCW 46.09.420(4)(b))

    The exemption in (a) of this subsection does not apply to an off-road vehicle owned by a resident of a state that borders Washington and that does not impose a retail sales and use tax on the sales or use of off-road vehicles.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    ORV registration and decal (RCW 46.09.420)

    ORV registrations and decals are required under this chapter except for the following:

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    Discover Pass (DNR lands), ORV with tabs

    If you are driving an off-road vehicle (ORV) with its required ORV tabs, you do not need a pass.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    Discover Pass (DNR lands), street-licensed dual-sport motorcycles

    Street-licensed vehicles, such as dual-sport motorcycles or four-wheel-drive vehicles, will be required to display a pass.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Riding areas

Places the managing agency describes for off-highway riding, grouped by who runs them. The list is a starting point, not every trail in the state: the Forest Service and the BLM publish motor vehicle use maps for everything else.

State 8

  • Reiter Foothills State Forest

    Washington State Department of Natural Resourcesnear Gold Bar

    Popular among off-road-vehicle riders, Reiter Foothills State Forest is a hub for motorized recreationists, complete with 4x4, ATV, and motorcycle trails, and areas designed for trials bikes.

    Reiter Foothills State Forest, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Walker Valley ORV Area

    Washington State Department of Natural Resourcesnear Mount Vernon

    A working forest near Mount Vernon, Walker Valley Forest offers 36 miles of trails popular with ORV enthusiasts.

    Walker Valley ORV Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Tahuya State Forest

    Washington State Department of Natural Resourcesnear Belfair

    Tahuya State Forest is popular for off-road vehicle riding and hiking, trail running, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting and has about 84 miles of trails for visitors to enjoy.

    Tahuya State Forest, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Capitol State Forest

    Washington State Department of Natural Resourcesnear Olympia

    This ORV-oriented campground offers access to Capitol State Forest's 89 miles of motorized trail.

    Capitol State Forest, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Elbe Hills State Forest

    Washington State Department of Natural Resourcesnear Elbe

    Trail systems for horseback riding and off-road vehicle riding are the foundation of recreation in Elbe Hills State Forest.

    Elbe Hills State Forest, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Ahtanum State Forest

    Washington State Department of Natural Resourcesnear Yakima

    Ahtanum State Forest, located about 30 miles west of Yakima, provides a variety of recreation opportunities, including camping, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, off-road vehicle riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, hunting, and sightseeing.

    Ahtanum State Forest, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Jones Creek ORV Trailhead (Yacolt Burn State Forest)

    Washington State Department of Natural Resourcesnear Camas

    Jones Creek ORV Trailhead is the premiere ORV trail in Southwest Washington. It has 14 miles of double-track motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle trails.

    Jones Creek ORV Trailhead (Yacolt Burn State Forest), official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Riverside State Park ORV Area

    Washington State Parks and Recreation Commissionnear Nine Mile Falls

    Off-road vehicle drivers have 600 acres of special terrain. The area is very popular for motorcycles, ATVs and four-wheelers and, during the winter, snowmobiling.

    Riverside State Park ORV Area, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Before you go

Each area's own page has its current status, seasons, fees and which trails take which vehicles. Rules differ between areas and change with fire danger and weather, so read it on the day.

Official maps

The state law behind the permits, helmets and young riders, cited: Washington electric dirt bike law.

Nothing on this page says anyone may ride anywhere: it points to the agencies that decide. Reviewed 2026-09-29.