Best Off-Road Trails Near Spokane for Your Ford 4×4

With access to national forests, logging roads, and designated recreation areas, Spokane is a prime base for drivers who want to explore the inland Northwest by 4×4. Whether you’re running a stock Ford F-150 or a fully equipped Bronco, there are trails within an hour of the city that offer everything from scenic gravel loops to technical summit ascents. Below are four of the best routes to explore near Spokane, each offering something different for off-road enthusiasts.

Mt. Spokane via IEP Backroads

One of the most unique off-road routes near Spokane is the seasonal access road from Spirit Lake, Idaho, to the Mt. Spokane summit. This trail uses a network of Inland Empire Paper Company logging roads, including Brickel Creek Road, Idaho Road (M8), Mica Road (M17), and Linder Ridge Road. It begins at the Brickel Creek Gate and travels up through IEP-managed forest land, ending just past the Mt. Spokane Gate at a small parking lot with a restroom. Beyond this point, the road enters Mt. Spokane State Park, where off-road vehicles are not allowed. Full-size street-legal vehicles may continue, but ORVs must turn around.

The road is maintained and open to both off-road vehicles and full-size 4x4s that are 50 inches wide or more. While the route is considered easy and passable for many 2WD vehicles, a 4WD system may be necessary during muddy conditions or after early snowfall. Cell service is limited along much of the trail, and gates remain closed from November 1 through May 14. To access the IEP lands, visitors must purchase a recreation pass, which is available as an annual, family, or day pass either online, at the gate, or at select local retailers. This trail offers a rare opportunity to gain elevation on private timberland roads with sweeping views, ending in the high country near Mt. Spokane’s Nordic trail system.

Riverside State Park ORV Area

Located just west of Spokane off Inland Road, the 600-acre ORV area within Riverside State Park is one of the most accessible off-road destinations in the region. It was established in the 1980s and remains a popular riding area for motorcycles, ATVs, and 4×4 vehicles. The terrain includes sandy sections, hill climbs, and wooded trails with areas suitable for beginner riders as well as more experienced drivers. For those with full-size 4×4 trucks, there are wide loops and open sections that accommodate larger vehicles.

The ORV area is fenced and clearly bounded, with amenities that include restrooms, picnic shelters, loading ramps, and parking areas. Only street-legal vehicles may be driven on Inland Road; non-street-legal ORVs must be trailered in. The park is open from 6:30 a.m. to dusk during the summer season and from 8:00 a.m. to dusk the rest of the year. All vehicles entering the park must display a Discover Pass, which is available as a $30 annual pass or a $10 day pass. Riders also need valid ORV permit tabs, and spark arrestors and mufflers are required. While trail markings are minimal and riding is at your own risk, this is one of the most developed off-road areas near Spokane and a great place for day trips, testing new gear, or training less experienced drivers.

Stensgar Mountain Loop

The Stensgar Mountain Loop in Stevens County offers a longer, more remote off-road experience with a mix of paved, improved gravel, and primitive roads. The loop spans roughly 95 miles and can be accessed from Chewelah, Addy, Valley, or the Waitts Lake area. It’s recommended to stage in one of these towns or nearby recreation sites, as there are multiple resorts, camping areas, and general stores offering basic services. All Stevens County roads in the area are open to OHV traffic for properly equipped and licensed vehicles.

This route ranges from easy to moderate difficulty, though snow can linger on upper sections of the mountain well into spring. The lower sections may also be subject to washouts after heavy rain. As the road climbs through the Colville Valley, drivers pass by a mix of small farms and undeveloped forest, with increasing elevation and changing road conditions the farther north you go. Old mining activity in the area is evident, particularly along Red Marble Road, where remnants of magnesite quarries and historical tram lines remain visible. Wildlife is abundant, and the summit area near the Stensgar radio relay station offers panoramic views in all directions. The full loop takes most of a day to complete and is best suited to drivers with some backcountry navigation experience. Staying on the main road is key, as side roads are common and can be confusing.

Calispell Peak

Northeast of Spokane in Pend Oreille County, Calispell Peak is a prominent summit that can be reached entirely by vehicle—provided you have a high-clearance 4×4. The access route is composed of rough logging roads that gradually climb to the top. While the trail does not involve technical rock crawling, it is extremely slow-going and includes steep, uneven sections that require good suspension and traction. A stock 4×4 truck may make the trip under dry conditions, but most drivers will benefit from extra clearance and durable tires.

There is no maintained trailhead or developed camping in the immediate area, and navigation can be challenging due to the web of intersecting roads in the forest. However, the summit is one of the highest points in northeastern Washington and provides a remote, backcountry destination with broad views over the surrounding peaks. The route is best attempted in late spring through early fall when snow is no longer an issue. Like many forest roads in this part of the state, there is little signage and minimal cell coverage, so pre-planning and offline maps are strongly recommended.

Plan Ahead and Drive Prepared

Each of these trails offers something different, from quick-access loops to full-day summit runs. Before heading out, make sure to check gate statuses, seasonal closures, and pass requirements. An annual Discover Pass or IEP permit may be necessary depending on your destination. Trail conditions can vary significantly with weather, and even well-maintained roads can become hazardous during heavy rain or snowmelt. Carry recovery gear, tools, water, and a spare tire, especially if you’re venturing onto long loops like Stensgar Mountain or into remote areas around Calispell Peak.

For Spokane-area drivers, these trails represent some of the best opportunities to explore eastern Washington and northern Idaho from behind the wheel of a capable 4×4. Whether you’re looking to escape into the mountains for the weekend or just take a quick drive off the beaten path, your Ford truck or SUV is built to get you there.

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