Horseback Riding
Most of Washington’s ocean beaches and several state parks allow equestrian activities, including sections of our long-distance trails. Horses can be terrific trail partners to their riders and an exciting thing to see for others on the trail.
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Rules & safety
When a mountain bike, a horse and a hiker compete for a trail, things can get tricky. Though trail wisdom says downhill yields to uphill travel, horses always have right of way on mixed-use trails. Hikers and bikers should slow down and step to the downhill side, as spooked horses generally run uphill. Dog owners, please keep your pups under control. In the wild, canines prey upon equines, so an unruly dog can cause a horse or mule to spook, endangering everyone involved.
Popular parks with Horseback Riding
Getting started with Horseback Riding
Whether you are a seasoned rider or just interested in a day trip, there are many opportunities to explore state parks on horseback. Ride through the forests, along the shore or go for a long trek on one of the many state park trails. Often repurposed from old railroad beds, these trails feature gentle elevation changes and unparalleled scenery.
Just want to give it a try? Horseback riding outfits abound in Washington. Book a tour or with a local guide or, if you are visiting Riverside State Park, check out PNW Guided Trail Rides. One and two hour and half-day rides are offered at Riverside March through December. To learn more and reserve a time, visit their website or Facebook.
Map & visitor guide
Use the Find a Park Page to see maps and visitor guides for a specific park.
