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By: Dave Helgeson
Places to Ride: Evans Creek, Washington
Family taking a break.
Riding Through
the Trees.
One can find slick rocks on some trails.
For those that like to take it easy or
have their kids along, there are easy
trails to ride. |
The only location in Washington State’s
Snoqualmie National Forest where you can ride
ATVs is at Evans Creek near Mt. Rainier National
Park. At Evans Creek you can ride on abandoned
logging roads and trails designed for 4X4 use.
You will also enjoy some great views of
Mt.
Rainier along your ride. The abandoned logging
roads are suitable for beginning riders and
families. Some of the more aggressive trails
should only be attempted by experienced riders.
All-wheel drive ATVs on the difficult trails are
recommended in the muddy season. At the present
time there are no ATV-only designated trails. On
sunny days make sure and ride trail number 311.
There is an awesome view of Mt. Rainier on clear
days. The view alone is worth the trip to Evans
Creek.
The area is open year-round. At an altitude of
3,000 ft. and up, expect snow from about
November through April. Four-wheel drive
vehicles come to play in the snow and will keep
it knocked down for ATV users on the more
popular routes.
For a map of the area click on:
www.pnw4wda.org/trails/washingto ...
maps1.html
Fees:
A NW Forest Pass is required to park inside
Evans Creek and can be purchased at any US
Forest Service office in the northwest and also
at the Burnett Chevron gas station on the road
to the ORV area. Passes are $5/day or $30
annual.
Camping:
There is a
campground located at Evans Creek. It
has vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings,
well water via a hand pump, and a covered picnic
shelter with fireplace. There is no additional
fee to camp. The campground is sometimes closed
in the off- season. Contact the ranger prior to
your visit if you plan to camp.
Getting There:
Take Hwy 410 to Buckley, then head south on Hwy.
165 through the small towns of Burnett, Wilkeson,
and Carbonado. A mile or so after crossing a
one-lane bridge you will come to a split in the
road and encounter your first sign for Evans
Creek ORV Park. Take the road to the right.
After traveling 6.9 miles from the split, you
will see a small sign board on your left. This
sign indicates the first access to the ORV Park,
but keep going, better access is ahead. At 7.6
miles turn left into the park. Many day-users
stage their vehicles here. However, there are
only two legal ways to depart this staging area
on ATVs. For better riding opportunities enter
the park and continue up the road 2.5 miles, and
you will find the entrance to the campground.
From this point east you can legally ride your
ATV on the forest service roads, which will give
you more trail and loop options to ride. If you
are riding with your family, just stay on the
roads and enjoy the scenery.
Services:
The Chevron in Burnett has a convenience store,
compressed air, and fuel. There is ample parking
available if you are towing. Limited services
are also available in Wilkeson. The nearest full
service town is Buckley.
Rules & Regulations:
- All
ATVs must be titled and registered, with owners
receiving an ORV tag to place on their ATV.
- ATVs shall not be operated between dusk and
dawn without a lighted taillight and headlight.
- No
one under age 13 may operate an ATV on or across
a highway or road except on a road designated
for off-highway vehicle use under direct
supervision of a person at least 18 who has a
driver's license.
Additional information:
Snoqualmie Ranger District
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Enumclaw Office/ 450 Roosevelt Ave. E.
Enumclaw, WA 98022
(360) 825-6585
Be safe, enjoy, and I hope to see you on the
trails.
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