Washington Trails for a Wide Side-by-Side
A wide side-by-side can turn a fun Washington ride into a frustrating one if the trail is too narrow, a gate is too tight, or the route is closed when you arrive. This guide explains how to check machine fit, which riding areas are worth investigating, and how to plan a route that suits your vehicle rather than relying on guesswork.
What “wide” means when you’re choosing a Washington trail
A trail can look broad on a map and still be a poor fit for a side-by-side. The listed trail width, the space between trees and rocks, and the width of any gates or access points can all affect whether you can ride comfortably. It’s also important to distinguish a trail that physically fits your machine from one where that machine is actually allowed.
Measure the whole machine, not just the factory specification
Before choosing a riding area, measure your machine at its widest point. That may be the tires, but it could also be mirrors, fender extensions, a snowplow mount, or another accessory. A machine that looks compact in the garage can feel surprisingly broad between closely spaced trees.
Think about more than width, too. A long wheelbase may make tight switchbacks awkward, and a tall roof or cab can be an issue beneath low branches. If you’ve added accessories, use the current dimensions rather than relying on the original owner’s manual. For a used machine, measure it yourself.
Compare your measurements with the riding area’s posted rules and trail information. Don’t assume that a trail is open to your vehicle simply because it appears wide enough. Designated routes may have specific vehicle or width limits, and an open forest road is not automatically the same thing as an open motorized trail. For more background, see [Washington Width Limits on a Forest Trail] and [Best UTV Width for Washington Trails].
Check access points and turning space
A trail’s narrowest point may not be the trail itself. Staging areas, gates, bollards, bridges, drainage structures, and tight turns can all be harder to negotiate than the main route. This matters especially if you’re hauling a wide side-by-side to an unfamiliar trailhead and have limited room to turn around.
Consider how you’ll handle a pinch point before you get there. Can you safely reverse? Is there a wide spot to turn around? Could another vehicle be approaching from the opposite direction? If the answer is uncertain, don’t treat the trail as a one-way commitment. A quick look at a current map and a call or message to the land manager, where available, can save a long, awkward back-out.
Trail width is only one part of the decision. Your skill, the vehicle’s turning radius, ground clearance, and the day’s conditions matter as well. A wide machine can be a comfortable choice on an open route but a tiring one on a twisting trail with roots, rocks, or deep ruts.
Washington riding areas to investigate for a wide side-by-side
The locations below are useful starting points when you’re searching for a ride. They are not guarantees that every route in an area is open to every side-by-side. Access, vehicle limits, and closures can vary by route and change with conditions, so check the specific route before you unload.
| Riding area | Why it may be worth investigating | What to check before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Evans Creek ORV Area near Buckley | Known for four-wheel-drive riding and routes that may be a better starting point for a larger vehicle than narrow ATV trails | Current route designations, machine-width rules, closures, and access requirements |
| Reiter Foothills near Gold Bar | Includes a four-by-four area that is worth checking when planning for a side-by-side | Which sections are open to your machine and whether recent closures affect access |
| Tahuya State Forest | Offers a mix of riding opportunities, including routes and areas to investigate for larger machines | Route-specific vehicle suitability, seasonal conditions, and current restrictions |
| Capitol State Forest | A broad forest road network can offer a different kind of ride from tight, technical trail systems | Whether the route is open to motorized use, road conditions, gates, and active work |
| Beverly and Moses Lake sand riding areas | Open sand can feel less confining than tree-lined trails | The permitted riding boundaries, current access information, and conditions underfoot |
Evans Creek and Reiter Foothills
Evans Creek, in the Cascades near Buckley, is a logical place to begin researching if you want a four-wheel-drive-style ride. The name of the area alone is not enough to determine whether your machine will fit a particular route, though. Look for the route designation and any stated vehicle limits, then compare them with your measured width and turning needs.
Reiter Foothills near Gold Bar is another area worth investigating, particularly because riders often look specifically at its four-by-four area when planning for larger machines. Don’t assume that the whole riding area has the same access rules. Confirm that the precise section you intend to ride is open to your type of vehicle. The guide [Riding the Four-by-Four Area at Reiter Foothills] can help you think through that area in more detail.
For both locations, conditions can make a route feel much tighter than it appears on a map. Mud, deep ruts, loose rock, and fallen branches can reduce the usable space. If you’re new to the area, choose a conservative route first and leave time to turn around rather than committing to the longest loop you can find.
Tahuya, Capitol Forest, and open sand
Tahuya State Forest is worth considering if you want to compare wooded riding with more open areas. A broad clearing or gravel play area may be comfortable for a side-by-side, while a narrow forest trail nearby may be unsuitable. Use the exact route information rather than judging the area as a whole. [Washington's Green Mountain and Tahuya Trails] offers another starting point for planning.
Capitol State Forest can suit riders who prefer forest roads and longer routes over tight, technical single-track. But a road shown on a map still needs to be checked for motorized access, closures, gates, and work activity. Forest roads can be shared with other users and, at times, working vehicles. If you plan to explore there, [Washington's DNR Forests Compared] and [Washington Rules for Riding a Forest Road] can help you sort out the difference between riding-area trails and forest roads.
Sand areas around Beverly and Moses Lake may offer more room to maneuver than a narrow wooded route, but “open sand” does not mean unrestricted riding. Stay within the designated area and check where the riding boundary ends. Soft sand also changes how a wide machine handles; tire pressure, momentum, and recovery planning matter. For an overview of the different areas, see [Washington's Sand Dune Riding Areas].
How to plan a route your side-by-side can actually use
Good planning is less about finding the longest trail and more about avoiding surprises. Before you leave home, decide what kind of ride you want, confirm that the route allows your vehicle, and identify a sensible turnaround point. That small amount of preparation can keep the day enjoyable even if one route is blocked or too tight.
Use maps to narrow your options, then confirm them
Start with the land manager’s maps and current notices. Check the route name, designation, closures, and any vehicle restrictions. A general recreation map can help you understand the layout, but it may not show every gate, temporary closure, or route-specific limitation. The [Washington Trail Maps From DNR] and [Washington Trail Closures to Check First] links are useful starting points.
A navigation app such as onX Offroad can help you compare routes and keep track of where you are, especially when a riding area has multiple intersections. Treat it as a planning aid rather than the final authority on access. Confirm important details against current land-manager information before you ride. If a map line appears to continue through a closed gate or a restricted area, follow the posted restriction.
Save the information you’ll need before you lose cell service. Take a screenshot or download an available map, note the trailhead name, and write down a backup route. onX Offroad may be useful for keeping your planned route visible, while an official map or posted notice helps you verify the rules. Don’t make the trip depend on having a reliable signal at the trailhead.
Match the ride to your machine and your group
A machine’s width affects more than whether it can pass between trees. It also shapes how easily you can turn around, share a route, and navigate around an obstacle. If you’re riding with a mixed group—say, a wide side-by-side, a narrower quad, and a dirt bike—choose routes that work for the least flexible vehicle and rider, not just the fastest machine.
Consider the experience level of everyone in the group. A route that is manageable for an experienced driver in dry conditions may be stressful for a new driver when it is wet or rutted. Agree in advance that anyone can call for a pause or turn back. It is better to shorten a ride than to pressure someone into a narrow, uncomfortable section.
Check the [Washington Trail Difficulty Ratings] when available, but remember that ratings are not a substitute for route-specific width information. Ratings describe difficulty in broad terms; they may not account for your vehicle’s dimensions, accessories, or comfort level. onX Offroad can help you keep the route plan handy, but use signs and posted notices on the ground to guide the final decision.
Trailhead checks, safe riding, and common mistakes
A little caution at the staging area can prevent a bigger problem miles into the ride. Take a few minutes to confirm you have the right route, that the vehicle is allowed, and that conditions still match your plan. If something doesn’t look right, pause before proceeding.
Make a quick check before unloading
At the trailhead, look for posted closure notices, route signs, and vehicle restrictions. Confirm the trail name against your map rather than following the first track that looks promising. If access depends on a pass or permit, check the requirements before you start riding. For public-land pass questions, [The Discover Pass and Washington Riders] may help you identify what to investigate for your destination.
Walk or slowly inspect a questionable entrance if it is safe to do so. A narrow gate, sharp turn, or damaged bridge can be difficult to judge from the driver’s seat. Don’t force the vehicle through a space that risks damaging the machine, the trail, or the gate. If you can’t confirm the route is suitable, choose a different one.
Bring recovery gear that makes sense for your machine and the area. A shovel, basic tools, a communication plan, and suitable recovery equipment can be valuable on remote rides. Let someone outside the riding group know where you’re going and when you expect to return. These simple habits matter even on a familiar route, particularly when weather or trail conditions change.
Avoid these common planning errors
One common mistake is treating physical fit as permission. A side-by-side that fits between trees may still be prohibited on that trail. Another is trusting an old screenshot or an unverified route line after a closure notice has been posted. Check current information, then follow signs at the trailhead and along the route.
Another mistake is planning around the machine’s advertised width instead of its actual width. Tires, accessories, and modifications can change the measurement. Turning radius and wheelbase can also make a route difficult even when the vehicle technically fits. If you’re uncertain, try a modest route first rather than committing to a long loop.
Finally, don’t assume every rider in your group wants the same kind of day. A scenic forest-road ride, a technical route, and an open-sand outing are different experiences. Talk through the plan before you arrive, pick a backup, and be willing to change course. For more area options, see [Where to Ride an ATV in Washington].
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
