Welcome to Tahoma Chapter's
Horse Camping Resources
Note: List provided for informational purposes only. Trail Maps and related data can change. Please check with local governing agencies for trail and road conditions, permit requirements, before planning trips into the backcountry.
This is not a complete list of all horse camping /trail riding opportunities in Washington State. These are some popular places that our members have visited.
See links below for other resources for Horse Camping & Trail Riding in WA State (& Beyond)
Links provided in descriptions for Trail Maps are for reference only.
NOT RECOMMENDED to be used for Navigation.
Navigational Trail maps may be available for these areas at: Green Trails Maps
Maps may also be available with GPS Trail Aps (GAIA, AllTrails, etc.)
Cle Elum Area
(Click on links for more Info)
Teanaway Community Forest
Popular area for horse camping. Tahoma Chapter uses the Teanaway Campground (area for horse campers) and Indian Camp Horse Camp up the Middle Fork Teanaway Rd. Many trails to ride, most are easy - moderate difficulty. Area is used by mountain bikers and hikers. Bicycle Clubs have created some maps. GPS/GAIA for navigation is recommended. Trail mapping may be done by DNR in the future. No corrals, highline areas in horse camps. No water close by. Pavement all the way to Teanaway Campground. For Indian Camp, pavement ends, then gravel road. Discover Pass.
Cayuse Horse Camp - Salmon La Sac
Nice horse camp with corrals in common area and stock water. Reservations available. Campsite Fee. Ride to Salmon La Sac Trailhead for access to Waptus River Trail, Pollalie Ridge Trail, Cooper River Trail - Pete Lake Trail. Out & back trails. Longer loop rides available. Difficulty = Cooper River, Waptus, Pete Lake Trails are Easy - Moderate, rocks & roots, creek crossings. Pollalie Ridge - Harder - climbing. Pavement all the way to camp.
Green Trails Map #208-Kachess Lake. US Forest Pass
Pete Lake Trailhead - Salmon La Sac
Provides access to Pete Lake Trail within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Nice day ride, out & back. Cooper River Trail access from here also. Day use area, no camping. Difficulty = Easy - Moderate, creek crossings, rocks, roots. Camping available at Cayuse Horse Camp.
Green Trails Map #208-Kachess Lake. US Forest Pass
Salmon La Sac Trailhead
Access to Waptus River Trail, Pollalie Ridge Trail, Cooper River Trail - Pete Lake / Alpine Lakes Wilderness (see above). Day use area, no camping. Camping available at Cayuse Horse Camp.
Green Trails Map #208-Kachess Lake. US Forest Pass
DeRoux Trailhead / Horse Camp - North Fork Teanaway Rd.
Green Trails Map #209-Mt. Stuart. US Forest Pass.
Haney Meadows - Ken Wilcox Horse Camp - Blewett Pass
This remote, high elevation campground/horse camp offers. Stock water only. Beautiful high-country trails. Difficulty - varies, depending on trail. One of the camps our chapter helps maintain, BCHW historically has annual work party here. Camp is accessed by a narrow, steep grade road. Note: This area has had extensive damage in recent years due to fire and wind. Please check status before planning any trips.
Green Trails Map #210-Liberty. US Forest Pass.
Stafford Creek Trailhead- Teanaway
Provides access to Stafford Creek Trail and to Navajo Pass and Peak. Difficulty = Moderate.
Green Trails Map #209-Mount Stuart. US Forest Pass.
Tucquala Meadows/Fish Lake Trailhead
A remote, high elevation location that provides access to Deception Pass Trail and Trail Creek within Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Access to Deception Pass, Cathedral Pass, Hyas Lake, and many others. Limited camping area available at trailhead.
Green Trails Map #176-Stevens Pass. US Forest Pass.
Middle Fork Snoqualmie - North Bend
The Middle Fork Trailhead is a popular site with two large parking areas. The south end of the lot is intended for stock users; hiker access is from the north end of the lot, directly ahead when entering the lot. There are several individual picnic sites located throughout the site, some with river views. Aside from providing access to the Middle Fork 1003 and Pratt River Trail 1035, which split off in opposite directions just across the bridge from the trailhead, this site also has several hundred yards of accessible walking trail.
Green Trails Maps #174-Mt. Si & #174SX-Middle Fork Snoqualmie. US Forest Pass.
Ellensburg Area
Joe Watt Canyon - Thorp
Located in LT Murray Wildlife area. Horse Camping area and trail system with good early season riding. Discover Pass.
Robinson Canyon - Thorp
Located in LT Murray Wildlife area. Combination of roads and trails. Horse camping area with good early season riding.
Driving Directions: From I-90, take exit 101 and turn south on Thorp Highway. Veer right onto Killmoor Road and continue 2.5 miles to Robinson Canyon Road. Turn right and proceed to the gate at the road’s end. Discover Pass.
BBQ Flats & Cascade Camp - Wenas
Both camps located in the LT Murray Wildlife area. Direct access to miles of trails and old logging roads that wind through open meadows and a mixed pine, fir, and spruce tree forest. Ideal hub for horseback riding, offering diverse terrain. Combination of trails and Green Dot Roads. On Audubon Rd. - Area. This area ranges up to the top of Clemmons mountains and further west, as well as areas north. Many types of wildlife can be seen, including elk herds and deer. Early access could find sheds and winter kill elk ivory. Great camping and cross-country riding. Stock water available in early season. No potable water. Discover Pass. Below maps provided by BCHW.org
Burke Lake- Quincy
Burke Lake is one of the ancient lakes that makes up the Quincy Wildlife Recreational Area. It offers camping and access to the Columbia River and amazing geographical formations. Popular destination in April before the snakes appear. Horse camps are restricted to designated areas. The trails are rocky and stock requires shoeing. These trails access the Ancient Lakes Basin, the Columbia River and interior trails with views. Fishing is good in most lakes. Discover Pass is required.
Directions and Camping Information (provided by BCHW.org)
Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail
The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (also known as the "PTCT") gives hikers, cyclists and equestrians an unconventional way to explore a variety of environments, flora and wildlife. Explore the forested Cascade Mountains to the arid shrub-steppe of eastern Washington. Sitting on the historic Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-Pacific Railroad corridor, nicknamed the "Milwaukee Road," this 251-mile trail runs in sections from Cedar Falls near North Bend east to the Idaho border. Various access points.
This is the location for the annual John Wayne Pioneer Wagons and Riders Association Cross State Ride.
Greenwater / Crystal Mountain Area
Buck Creek/ Ranger Creek
Camping site of Hwy 410 near Crystal Mountain. Campground is adjacent to Evergreen Air Field. A trail to the west is a perimeter trail, mostly on the flat. The main trail to the west is commonly called Sun Top. On the trail route is a walk trail to the falls. This trail is an access to Ranger Creek Trail, White River Trail and leads to Deep Creek Trail with access on these eastern trails to Corral pass.
Green Trails Map #238-Greenwater. US Forest Pass.
Government Meadows
Entrance to the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). Road access on FS70 road off Highway 410. Northbound is not wilderness in large part. Southbound is wilderness area requiring Weed-Seed Free feed or native grazing. The camp has highlines and a vault toilet. The camp has no stock or potable water. Stock water is available at the Government Meadows Cabin (3/4 mile away) or back down access road (1/2 mile). The trails are suited for most stock and riders. US Forest Pass Pass required
Lost Lake / Echo Lake
Greenwater Lakes Trail connects to Lost Lake Trail and Echo Lake Trail. Drive east on State Highway 410 from Enumclaw 20.3 miles to Greenwater Road #70. Then left (north) onto Road #70 and follow 9.6 miles to trail sign. Turn right onto Road #7033, the trailhead is on the right side of road after 0.5 mile. No camping at trailhead.
Green Trails Map #239-Lester. US Forest Pass.
Sand Flats Horse Camp - Crystal Mountain
Camping at Sand Flats, Half Camp or lower parking lot available. Stock water available, no potable water. Vault toilets at Sand Flats and Half Camp. Advanced riding except for Bullion Basin, which is basic skill level.
Green Trails Map #271-Bumping Lake. US Forest Pass
SW Washington
Capitol Forest - Olympia
Capitol State Forest is a beautiful recreation destination just a short drive from Olympia. Horse camps, Margaret McKenny & Falls Creek offer corrals and horse water. Multi-use trails, designated trails for horses/hikers and motorized use. Discover Pass Required. See link above for more information and trail maps.
Keenes Horse Camp - Mt. Adams
High elevation horse camp. Beautiful, popular area for equestrians. Access to PCT and other numerous trails. Manure bins, stock water. The Mt. Adams Wilderness is just outside the campground to the south. 25 miles from Randle, WA on Forest Service Roads.
Green Trails Map #367S Mount Adams & #334-Blue Lake. US Forest Pass.
Cody Horse Camp - Mt Adams
Cody Horse Camp features 16 pull-through campsites in a stand of lodgepole pine and mixed conifers and includes a mounting assist ramp and water trough. All sites have highline poles and long pull-through parking
Green Trails Maps #334-Blue Lake & #335-Walupt Lake. US Forest Pass.
Walupt Horse Camp - Mt Adams
Walupt Horse Camp is located one mile west of Walupt Lake. It is a full-service horse camp with gravel interior roads, spurs, and parking area. Riders can access numerous trails from the campground. Access the Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Green Trails Map #335-Walupt Lake. US Forest Pass
Kalama Horse Camp - Mt. St. Helens
Kalama Horse Camp is located just outside the west boundary of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 27 sites accommodate equestrian users, with nearby access to trails. Campsites available to be reserved at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Other sites available first come, first serve, there is a camp host. Stock water, manure bins, corrals. Beautiful trails with views of Mt. St Helen's. Paved road all the way to camp.
Green Trails Maps #364-Mount St. Helens & #364S. US Forest Pass.
Hwy 410 / US 12 Area
Nile Creek/Old Sawmill - Naches - Hwy 410
From Hwy 410, turn onto Nile Rd. Travel aprox 3.2 miles, turn onto Clover Springs Rd. Clover Springs Rd. become NF 1600. Camp area is about another 1.5 miles at junction with NF 1611. Popular area for organized Endurance Rides. This is an undeveloped campground. Also referred to as Nile Sno-Park. No restrooms. No potable water. Disbursed camping around meadow. Highline in trees or bring portable corrals. US Forest Pass.
Crow Lake Way Horse Camp/Trailhead - Hwy 410
This trailhead provides access to Crow Lake Way Trail #953 which enters Norse Peak Wilderness.
Directions: From Naches, travel west on Highway 12 for 4.4 miles. Continue straight onto Highway 410 W for 34.8 miles. Trailhead entrance is on the north side of highway. US Forest Pass.
White Pass Horse Camp - White Pass US12
Trailhead provides access to Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, Dark Meadow Trail #1107, and other loop trails to many mountain lakes within William O. Douglas Wilderness. Managed by White Pass Ski Resort. There are six camp units, toilet, stock ramp, and hitch rails available. Green Trails Map #303- White Pass. US Forest Pass
Deep Creek Horse Camp / Twin Sisters Trailhead - Hwy 410
Sometimes known as Blankenship, the Deep Creek Trailhead has a stock/horse loading ramp and trailhead parking spots.
It provides access to Twin Sisters Trail, Indian Creek Trail #1105 and William O. Douglas Wilderness.
From Highway 410 turn onto Bumping River Road / Forest Road 1800 and travel 13.5 miles then stay left on Forest Road 1808 (Deep Creek Road -per GAIA) travel another 7 miles to reach the trailhead. Horse Camp entrance will be on left before reaching trailhead.
Green Trails Maps #271-Bumping Lake & #303-White Pass. US Forest Pass.
Conrad Meadows- Tieton - US12
Provides access to Goat Rocks Wilderness via South Fork Tieton Trail #1120 and Bear Creek Mountain Trail #1130.
The trailhead also provides access to Ten Day Trail #1134.
Directions: From Naches, travel west on Highway 12 W for about 22 miles. Turn left at Lost Lake Rd onto Forest Road 1200 / Tieton Reservoir Road and go 4.5 miles. Turn left onto South Fork Tieton Road / Forest Road 1000 and go 12.6 miles to trailhead at end of road.
US Forest Pass.
Other Areas
Black Pine Horse Camp - Leavenworth
This campground is located along Blackpine Creek and provides access to Icicle Creek Trail #1551, Jack Creek Trail, and Blackjack Ridge Trail #1565 up to Bootjack Mountain. Directions: From Leavenworth, turn onto Icicle Road and follow for about 18 miles. The road becomes gravel at about 13-mile point (now called Forest Road 7600) and makes a left turn to cross Icicle Creek at about 15-mile point. At about 18-mile point, Blackpine Horse Camp is on the left.
Green Trails Map #177-Chiwaukum & #176-Stevens Pass. US Forest Pass.
Other Places to visit with your horses
Washington State Horse Park - Cle Elum
The Washington State Horse Park offers an expansive, beautiful competition and riding facility with amenities designed for multi-discipline.
Silver Ridge Ranch - Easton
Blending scenic beauty with family-friendly fun, Silver Ridge Ranch offers year-round camping near Cle Elum, WA. Enjoy equestrian-friendly RV sites, scenic tent spaces, and charming glamping options, all perfectly located near equestrian trails and outdoor recreation. From snowmobile rentals to personal horse corrals, book now to experience our one-of-a-kind Northwest retreat!
Mazama Ranch House- Mazama
The Mazama Ranch House is surrounded by beautiful green fields, snow capped mountains and large ponderosa pines. Experience a little bit of country living where hay fields are being farmed, wildlife is running through the property and enjoy our dark skies where the stars at night shine so bright. From our porch, ride directly onto Methow Valley Sport Trails. Horse facilities are provided for your four legged friends.
Haul out to various other area trailheads.
More trail/trailhead/horse camp info. can be found on these sites:
Horse Riding and Camping Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Horse Riding and Camping Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Backcountry Horsemen of Washington / Trail & Horse Camping Resources
Trailmeister- Find Horse Trails and Camps
NW Horse Trails and Camps - Guidebooks for Sale