Explore Washington’s great outdoors this Labor Day weekend

Need ideas for how to enjoy this long holiday weekend? We’ve got you covered. Read on for some of our picks for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and off-road vehicle riding trails. Don’t see one of your favorites below? Use our statewide interactive recreation map to find directions, amenities and more information for our 70+ campgrounds, 55 trailheads and 40 picnic areas statewide.

Oyster Dome view
View from Oyster Dome on Blanchard Mountain. Photo: DNR

Oyster Dome, Blanchard State Forest, near Bow 
This hiking trail provides expansive views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. If it’s been a while since you’ve done the trek, you’ll notice improved signage and trail tread, thanks to our partnered efforts with the Washington Trails Association.

Sadie Creek 4×4 Trails, near Port Angeles
A recent addition to our trail systems, this 6-mile network of tight and technical 4×4 trails weaves through a varying aged forest with views of the Straight of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.

Horseback riders at the Whites Ridge Trailhead. Photo: DNR
Horseback riders at the Whites Ridge Trailhead. Photo: DNR

Whites Ridge Trail, Ahtanum State Forest, near Yakima
This 11.7-mile trail, popular for horseback riding, provides a loop through Ahtanum State Forest. Look for views of Mount Adams and the Yakima Valley.

Thrillium Trail, Yacolt Burn State Forest, near Vancouver 
In addition to DNR’s mountain biking hub on East Tiger Mountain, Yacolt Burn State Forest is also gaining popularity for mountain biking. One of the forest’s newest mountain biking trails, Thrillium Trail is accessed from the Larch Mountain and Yacolt Burn trailheads.

The Nicholson Horse Trail System accesses DNR's High Point picnic area. Photo: DNR.
The Nicholson Horse Trail System accesses DNR’s High Point picnic area. Photo: DNR

Nicholson Horse Trails, Elbe Hills State Forest, near Eatonville
This 40-mile trail system, popular for horseback riding, offers steep trails riding up from the Nisqually Valley floor and unparalleled views of Mount Rainier and the Surrounding Foothills. Beaver Creek Trailhead, Memorial Trailheads and Sahara Creek Trailhead and Campground provide access to the trail, which is also open to hikers.

Radar Dome Trail, Little Pend Oreille Forest, near Colville 
Located near Sherry Creek and Flodelle Creek campgrounds, this popular motorcycle trail offers visitors views of the 5,085-foot Radar Dome, located in DNR’s Little Pend Oreille Forest. Trail also allows hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Before heading out, remember to bring your Discover Pass, your path to enjoying Washington’s great outdoors. To learn more about recreation on DNR-managed lands, visit our website.