4x4ing in the Tahuya State Forest
If you are looking for a place to ride your 4x4, check out the 7-mile dedicated 4x4 trail system of obstacles and adventures in the Tahuya State Forest on the southern end of the Kitsap Peninsula. Enjoy the rock garden, water crossings, and more on this system developed specifically for 4x4-ers.
Photo Credit: Emmit Parker
The Elfendahl Pass Staging Area is the main parking area for the 4x4 trail system, as well as for non-motorized trails. It has 50 day-use stalls and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. You can also park at the 4x4 trailhead which is designated exclusively for people on the 4x4 system.
Thank you to the Tahuya 4x4 Facebook Group for all of the great pictures.
If 4x4ing isn’t your thing, the Tahuya State Forest and nearby Green Mountain State Forest also offer great opportunities for horse riding (with two dedicated horse camps open in the summer), mountain biking, EM biking, ATVing, motorcycling, hiking, camping, and fishing.
A few basic rules for people wishing to enjoy Tahuya State Forest and nearby Green Mountain State Forest:
A Discover Pass is required to park anywhere in the forest.
Camp only in designated campgrounds.
Dogs are allowed but must be on leash or, if accompanying horse riders, can be under voice command.
Stay on designated trails. Our maps include information on allowed uses but please obey all posted signs. On the Northwest Portal Offroading NW map and app: trails open to 4x4s are green, those open to ATVs and motorcycles are pink, and those only open to motorcycles are brown. On the DNR trail signs, trails are designated by diamonds: white are single-track (mountain bike or motorcycle), yellow are two-track (ATV), and purple are open to 4x4s.