The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and for adventurous horseback riders, it’s no different. This region, known for its towering forests, misty coastlines, and rugged mountain ranges, offers some of the best horse trails in the country. Whether you’re seeking serene meadows or challenging mountain terrain, the Pacific Northwest has something for every equestrian explorer.
Here’s a guide to the best horse trails in the Pacific Northwest for those seeking adventure.
1. Olympic National Park – Washington
Best for: Scenic forest rides and mountain views
Trailhead: Sol Duc or Hurricane Ridge
Olympic National Park is a gem for horseback riders looking for a diverse landscape. From old-growth rainforests to alpine meadows, riders can experience varied terrains and breathtaking views. The Sol Duc area offers trails winding through lush forests, while Hurricane Ridge provides sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains.
- Terrain: Moderate to challenging
- Best Season: Summer and early fall
- Highlights: Sol Duc Falls, panoramic mountain views, diverse wildlife
2. Deschutes National Forest – Oregon
Best for: Volcanic landscapes and expansive meadows
Trailhead: Lava Lands Visitor Center or Metolius-Windigo Trail
Located near Bend, Oregon, Deschutes National Forest offers a unique volcanic landscape perfect for an adventurous ride. The Metolius-Windigo Trail spans over 100 miles, winding through pine forests, lava fields, and open meadows. The variety of terrain makes it a perfect destination for intermediate to advanced riders.
- Terrain: Easy to difficult
- Best Season: Late spring through fall
- Highlights: Lava Butte, Cascade Lakes, views of Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters
3. Mount Adams Wilderness – Washington
Best for: High-altitude mountain riding
Trailhead: Cold Springs Campground or Killen Creek Trail
For riders looking to conquer high-altitude trails, the Mount Adams Wilderness offers exhilarating paths through alpine terrain. Trails here meander through meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer, past pristine lakes, and offer stunning views of Mount Adams. The Killen Creek Trail is especially popular, offering a challenging ride with rewarding vistas.
- Terrain: Challenging (steep inclines and rocky paths)
- Best Season: Summer and early fall
- Highlights: Mount Adams summit views, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows
4. Tillamook State Forest – Oregon
Best for: Coastal mountain terrain and dense forests
Trailhead: Browns Camp or Rogers Camp Trailhead
Tillamook State Forest is located just outside of Portland, making it an easily accessible adventure for riders craving dense forests and coastal mountains. The Wilson River Trail is a favorite among horse riders, offering moderate climbs and plenty of scenic river views. This trail also connects to others in the area, offering options for multi-day rides.
- Terrain: Moderate (some technical sections)
- Best Season: Spring through fall
- Highlights: Wilson River, dense old-growth forests, coastal mountain vistas
5. Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument – Oregon/California Border
Best for: Remote, rugged wilderness and scenic views
Trailhead: Pilot Rock or Little Hyatt Lake
Situated where the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges meet, this national monument offers some of the most diverse and biologically rich riding trails in the Pacific Northwest. Riders can explore everything from oak woodlands to coniferous forests, all while being treated to views of Pilot Rock and Mount Shasta.
- Terrain: Moderate to difficult
- Best Season: Summer and fall
- Highlights: Pilot Rock, Mount Shasta views, diverse flora and fauna
6. North Cascades National Park – Washington
Best for: Remote, rugged backcountry riding
Trailhead: Hannegan Pass or Cascade River Road
North Cascades National Park is a rugged paradise for experienced riders looking to challenge themselves. With towering peaks, glacier-fed rivers, and deep valleys, the trails here are not for the faint of heart. Hannegan Pass offers a particularly adventurous route, leading riders through alpine meadows and offering panoramic views of Mount Shuksan and the surrounding glaciers.
- Terrain: Difficult (narrow paths, steep inclines)
- Best Season: Summer
- Highlights: Alpine views, glaciers, remote wilderness
7. Capitol State Forest – Washington
Best for: Year-round riding and variety of trails
Trailhead: Mima Falls or Fall Creek
Capitol State Forest, located near Olympia, is a popular spot for horseback riding due to its well-maintained trails and year-round access. The trails are ideal for both leisurely rides and more adventurous treks. The Mima Falls trail is a local favorite, offering riders a moderate, scenic route to a beautiful waterfall.
- Terrain: Easy to moderate
- Best Season: Year-round
- Highlights: Mima Falls, forested trails, year-round access
8. Mt. Hood National Forest – Oregon
Best for: Scenic mountain and forest rides
Trailhead: Frog Lake or Ramona Falls
Mount Hood National Forest is a favorite among PNW horseback riders. The trails around Frog Lake and Ramona Falls are particularly stunning, offering a mix of forested paths, river crossings, and views of Mount Hood’s snow-capped peak. Riders of all levels will find something to love in this expansive wilderness area.
- Terrain: Moderate
- Best Season: Summer and fall
- Highlights: Ramona Falls, views of Mount Hood, serene forest rides
9. Wallowa Mountains – Oregon
Best for: Remote, high-altitude adventure
Trailhead: Wallowa Lake Trailhead or Tenderfoot Trailhead
Known as the “Alps of Oregon,” the Wallowa Mountains offer some of the most rugged and remote trails in the Pacific Northwest. Riders will experience alpine lakes, deep canyons, and high-elevation meadows. The Eagle Cap Wilderness within the Wallowas is a must-visit for advanced riders seeking a true backcountry adventure.
- Terrain: Challenging
- Best Season: Summer
- Highlights: Wallowa Lake, Eagle Cap Wilderness, alpine lakes
Final Thoughts
The Pacific Northwest offers countless opportunities for horseback riders to explore some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the U.S. From the lush forests of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula to the volcanic landscapes of Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest, adventurous riders can find endless trails to challenge and inspire them.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging high-altitude ride or a peaceful journey through old-growth forests, the PNW has it all. So, saddle up and explore the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest on horseback!