Western Washington Rovers typically have alot of pavment between them and the really good ORV's and other off-roading areas. However, I do have some ideas and resources for you....
Firstly, for camping opportunities, facilities and etc. hit up the Washing State Parks and Rec site (
http://www.parks.wa.gov/). There is a good 'park search' there as well. We are really fortunate to live in such a gorgeous and robust region of the country... There are many National Forest lands here such as Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Olympic and Wenatchee... not to mention one of my favourite areas to explore, the Cascades. For more details on recreaction, camping and ecological news, visit
http://www.fs.fed.us/ I have done alot of camping right outside Levenworth in the past years. There are a half dozen camp grounds on Eightmile road and are right on Icicle River. The further down the road you go, the more primitive the camping....Great hiking opportunities in the area as well as white water rafting on the Wenatchee River (if you are into that kinda stuff like me).
Let us not forget our National Parks system (Olympic, Rainier, etc...). (
http://www.nps.gov/)
I have also traveled north and done alot of camping and exploring of British Columbia, CA. (
http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/). The BC Parks site is a real good one and provides a vast amount of information.
As for off-roading opportunities, I have visited alot of State Forest land and service roads in the mountains. Some service roads offer more excitment than others... somethimes you will find interesting little side challenges. Some of my favourites are up near Darrington.
On the weekends, I typically head for US 2 to Monroe. If you head east through Monroe heading out toward Sultan...The Sultan Basin access road is just past the far end of town on the left side. As you make the turn on Sultan Basin Road, stay on this road for about 13-15 miles. It turns into a gravel road thereafter and begins to climb...just keep driving up. You will start to see roads that branch off. Be aware that some of these (on the righthand side) lead to nasty and very deep water/mud holes. -Not recommended. (alot of crazy paintballers too...... Up further, the road branches off to the left. This will take you up a ridge with an excellent view of the valley. I just got directions to the Greider Lake trailhead (sls4000 road?) which is supposed to be a nice drive...
A little further north on I-5, you will find Walker Valley off of highway 9, just south of Mount Vernon. Hardcore wheeling and some light exploring. (
http://www.concours.org/ric/wvorv.htm). Take Highway 9 towards "Big Lake". Continue until you see "Walker Valley Road" or "Lk.Cavanough Rd". You should see a small sign for Walker Valley ORV at mile post 46ish. Just follw the gravel road to the trailhead. I have only been there once, but it appeard that the area is primarily used for ATV's and dirt bikes.
There are also rated trails near Mt.Rainier and an off-road area in Thurston County. All the trails we would normally hit during the summer because most of these roads are under snow and off-limits until May/June.
So, there you are.... If you know of any other spots for either camping or going off-pavement, lemmino!
