Gypsy Meadows serves as a premier basecamp for exploring the rugged beauty of the Colville National Forest. Known for its remote setting and access to expansive wilderness trails, it is a favorite for backcountry enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of challenging terrain and tranquil forest scenery.

Facility Overview

The camp is designed to accommodate riders and packers with several key features:

• Space & Amenities: The camp offers plenty of room for trailers, access to water, and some existing highline poles for securing stock.

• Environment: Expect a true backcountry experience. The area consists primarily of Wilderness, featuring remote, steep, and scenic trails that reward riders with stunning vistas.

Trail Work & Maintenance

Gypsy Meadows is a hub for volunteer stewardship. Because of its Wilderness designation, maintenance often requires traditional skills:

• Crosscut Sawyers & Swampers: Essential for clearing downed logs without motorized equipment.

• Stock Support: Both riding and pack stock are highly valued for transporting tools and supplies to remote work sites.

• Community Effort: Work parties often include "grant-provided meals" and a community kitchen, making the hard work a social and rewarding experience.

Work Party Plan

• Click here to read the work party planning document.

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Next Stop, Antoine Peak!

Mark your calendars! The next installment of our First Friday Ride Series is heading to the beautiful Antoine Peak Conservation Area on Friday, August 7, 2026.

If you've been looking for a relaxed, social way to explore new local trails and meet fellow members, our First Friday rides are the perfect opportunity. Antoine Peak spans nearly 1,300 scenic acres, offering a fantastic trail system right in our backyard with incredible panoramic views.

August Ride Details

• When: Friday, August 7, 2026

• Where to Meet: Trentwood Trailhead / Access Point

  • Address: 17711 E Wellesley Avenue, Spokane Valley, WA

  • Why we love it: This newer access point features a dedicated horse trailer parking area with spacious, paved pull-through stalls and excellent access for rigs of all sizes.

• The Route: We’ll head out from the trailhead for a steady, gentle climb around the mountain, utilizing the popular Emerald Necklace Loop and parts of the Antoine's Summit Trail.

What to Expect

At 3,373 feet, the summit of Antoine Peak rewards riders with spectacular 360-degree views of the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Mica Peak, and the Selkirk Range.

• The Terrain: A comfortable mix of single-track trails and old logging roads. The footing is primarily hard-pack sand and dirt. It’s a very manageable, gradual climb, making it a great route for green horses or riders new to the area.

• Trail Sharing: Antoine Peak is a popular multi-use area. We'll practice good trail stewardship by keeping an eye out for hikers and mountain bikers, and leaving the trailhead cleaner than we found it!

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Gypsy Meadows serves as a premier basecamp for exploring the rugged beauty of the Colville National Forest. Known for its remote setting and access to expansive wilderness trails, it is a favorite for backcountry enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of challenging terrain and tranquil forest scenery.

Facility Overview

The camp is designed to accommodate riders and packers with several key features:

• Space & Amenities: The camp offers plenty of room for trailers, access to water, and some existing highline poles for securing stock.

• Environment: Expect a true backcountry experience. The area consists primarily of Wilderness, featuring remote, steep, and scenic trails that reward riders with stunning vistas.

Trail Work & Maintenance

Gypsy Meadows is a hub for volunteer stewardship. Because of its Wilderness designation, maintenance often requires traditional skills:

• Crosscut Sawyers & Swampers: Essential for clearing downed logs without motorized equipment.

• Stock Support: Both riding and pack stock are highly valued for transporting tools and supplies to remote work sites.

• Community Effort: Work parties often include "grant-provided meals" and a community kitchen, making the hard work a social and rewarding experience.

Work Party Plan

• Click here to read the work party planning document.

📅 Add to my Calendar 

📍 Get Directions

[Click Here to Register >> ]

Dust Off Your Rigs for Silver Creek!

Pack your trailers and gear—our next summer Camp & Ride is officially scheduled! We are heading north to the beautiful and rugged Silver Creek Campground in the Colville National Forest from Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23, 2026.

If you've been looking for a classic mountain getaway with spectacular trails and great camp-side fellowship, this is the one. Silver Creek is a fantastic primitive staging hub tucked right into the foot of excellent backcountry trails.

Camp & Ride Details

• When: Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 23, 2026

• Where: Silver Creek Campground (Colville National Forest)

  • Elevation: ~3,169 feet

  • Directions: From Colville, follow Aladdin Road (County Rd 9435) north for about 25.5 miles. Turn right onto Deep Lake Boundary Road (County Rd 9445) and go 7 miles to Leadpoint. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 4720 (Silver Creek Road/FR 7078-070) and follow the road to where it ends at the campground.

• Cost: Free! This is a first-come, first-served, no-fee primitive site.

The Riding & Trails

We’ll have direct access to beautiful mountain trail loops right from the campground:

• North Fork Silver Creek Trail #119: A gorgeous, forested trail that follows the north fork of the creek. It connects with the Abercrombie Mountain Trail and offers lush pine forests, cooler mountain air, and a steady, scenic climb.

• South Fork Silver Creek Trail #123: Accessible right through the group site at camp, this trail crosses the creek and climbs to reward you with great views of the surrounding valleys and the Kettle Crest.

Important Camp Info (What to Pack)

Because Silver Creek is a primitive campground, we will need to be entirely self-sufficient:

• Water: No potable water is available on-site. You must bring plenty of fresh water for yourself and your horses (or bring filtration equipment to draw directly from the creek).

• Facilities: The campground provides basic vault toilets and picnic tables.

• Weed-Free Hay: As on all National Forest lands, any hay, forage, or mulch you bring must be state-certified weed-free.

• High-Clearance Vehicles: Silver Creek Road can be narrow, rough, and rutted in spots. High-clearance vehicles are highly recommended for pulling horse trailers.

• Containment: Be prepared to highline, bring portable corrals, or tie to your trailers. Please practice Leave No Trace so we can keep this equestrian access pristine!

Important trail Info (What to Pack)

• Because this is a late-summer ride on wilder, forested paths, we will be entirely self-supporting on this trip. Riders should be prepared to encounter downfall, brush, and debris along the way. We will likely need to hop off, roll up our sleeves, and do some light trail clearing to keep the path open and continue our ride. 

• What to Pack: Please bring your favorite trail-clearing hand tools (like folding saws or loppers), sturdy work gloves, and plenty of water and snacks. 

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High-Elevation Riding & Spectacular Views!

If you're looking to add another local treasure to your riding bucket list, the Mica Peak Conservation Area is a must-visit. Nestled on the south side of Spokane Valley, this sprawling 1,794-acre natural area offers an incredible, wild escape just minutes from town.

With elevations starting at 2,800 feet and rising up to 5,100 feet, riding here offers a fascinating transition of ecosystems—from open Ponderosa pine forests and lush aspen groves to wind-swept sub-alpine ridges. Because Mica Peak connects directly with Liberty Lake Regional Park, it forms a massive 5,000-acre block of contiguous county parkland, meaning there is plenty of beautiful country to explore!

The Ride Experience

Because of the steady elevation gain, exploring Mica Peak requires a bit of effort, but the payoff is absolutely worth it.

• The Terrain: Trails are primarily wide and smooth, utilizing a great network of former logging and fire roads. While some sections can be steep and rutted from seasonal runoff, they offer excellent, predictable footing for horses.

• The Views: About 3.5 miles up from the trailhead, you’ll reach a windswept ridge dotted with Douglas firs. On a clear day, you can soak in stunning panoramic views overlooking the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and the rolling hills of the Palouse.

Trailhead & Trailer Parking

Getting rigs into Mica Peak is incredibly easy thanks to dedicated county planning.

• Belmont Road Trailhead

  • Address: 20002 E Belmont Road, Mica, WA 99023 (at the dead-end of Belmont Road).

  • The Setup: This gravel parking area was specifically designed with a large turnaround loop to easily accommodate horse trailers, school buses, and emergency vehicles. A vault toilet is located on-site.

  • Directions: From Spokane Valley, head South on Pines Road (State Highway 27) for about 8.5 miles. Turn left (east) onto Belmont Road and follow it for 4.1 miles straight to the trailhead at the end of the road.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Multi-Use Trail Etiquette: Mica Peak is highly popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Be prepared to share the trails and act as friendly equine ambassadors!

• Land Boundaries: The conservation area borders Inland Empire Paper Company (IEP) and Washington DNR lands. While the Starr Road Block of IEP land is open to non-motorized recreation without a permit, other adjacent sections may require a permit—keep an eye out for boundary signs.

• Seasonal Hunting: Limited permit-only deer and turkey hunting takes place here late in the fall (typically mid-October through mid-December), so plan your trail rides accordingly!

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[Click Here to Register >> ] Typically opens 30ish days prior.

Explore Rustler's Gulch on September 26!

Autumn is just around the corner, and there is no better place to witness the changing of the seasons from the back of a horse than the spectacular Rustler's Gulch Wildlife Area. Tucked into the southwestern corner of Pend Oreille County, this 2,772-acre gem features a rich mix of dense pine and Douglas fir forests that transition into brilliant yellow aspen groves, golden larch, and lush wetlands along the West Branch of the Little Spokane River.

If you want to catch the peak of our region's stunning fall colors, mark your calendars for Saturday, September 26, 2026!

Ride Details

• When: Saturday, September 26, 2026

• Where to Meet: Holly Road Access Point (South End)

  • The Setup: This trailhead offers an open, primitive field parking area that is well-suited for staging horse trailers.

  • Directions: Follow Highway 2 north from Spokane toward Newport. Turn left on E Eloika Lake Road and follow for 3.3 miles to N Division Road. Turn right on N Division Road; where the pavement ends (after 2.4 miles), it becomes Horseshoe Lake Road. Continue relatively straight until the road makes a 90-degree left turn. The wildlife area access road leaves to the right right at this corner, and the primitive parking area is in the open field on the left.

• Pass Required: A Discover Pass is required to park at this WDFW-managed site.

The Riding & Terrain

Rustler's Gulch is a premier horse riding destination because of its extensive, non-motorized trail network.

• The Trails: We'll be riding a fantastic loop utilizing the converted old logging road beds and single-track paths. The main loop from Holly Road is roughly 6 miles of gentle, rolling terrain with highly predictable footing.

• The Autumn Views: Expect to ride through corridors of golden aspens, deep green cedar groves, and scenic wetland areas. We'll ride down toward the old historic barn and follow trails weaving past the peaceful, marshy banks of Beaver Creek.

What to Pack & Keep in Mind

• Day-Use Only: Rustler's Gulch is strictly a day-use area. There are no facilities or stock water at the trailhead, so please bring plenty of fresh water for your horses and lunch for yourself!

• Wildlife Watch: This area is a thriving habitat for moose, white-tailed deer, and diverse bird species. Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready!

• Shared Recreation: As a multi-use public area, we may see hikers or birdwatchers. We’ll keep our horses calm, maintain a polite trail pace, and leave the parking field clean.

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[Click Here to Register >> ] Typically opens 30ish days prior.

2026 Season Finale: Fall Riding at Pend Oreille Park!

As the spectacular 2026 riding season comes to a close, we are wrapping things up at one of our absolute favorite local destinations. Join us for our final scheduled trail ride of the year at the beautiful Pend Oreille Park!

Located right on the border of Spokane and Pend Oreille counties, this forested 440-acre park is the perfect backdrop for a crisp, late-season ride. With its towering mixed-conifer canopy and easy trail systems, it’s a wonderful, relaxing way to celebrate another great year of trail riding and fellowship.

Ride Details

• When: Friday, October 2, 2026

• Where to Meet: Pend Oreille Park Trailhead

  • Address: 322 Pend Oreille Park Road, Newport, WA 99156 (Just off Highway 2, north of Chattaroy).

  • The Setup: The park features a spacious gravel parking loop and day-use area that is easily accessible for horse trailers. There are vault toilets and picnic shelters on-site.

• Pass Required: None! Parking at Pend Oreille County Parks is free.

The Riding & Terrain

If you are looking for a gentle, relaxing ride to end the season, Pend Oreille Park is ideal.

• The Trails: We will be exploring the park's scenic, multi-use loop trails. The trails here are wide, well-maintained, and mostly flat, making them incredibly gentle on the horses.

• The Atmosphere: Expect a peaceful ride through old-growth cedar, hemlock, and grand fir trees. Because it's late in the fall, we'll enjoy the quiet, crisp autumn air and a carpet of colorful leaves underfoot.

What to Pack & Keep in Mind

• Stock Water: There is no potable water or dedicated stock watering facilities at the trailhead, so please bring plenty of water in your trailer for your horses.

• Layer Up: Mountain temperatures can drop quickly this time of year—be sure to dress in layers and pack a warm jacket!

• Season Wrap-up: We'll plan a little social time at the trailers after the ride to reminisce about our favorite 2026 adventures, so feel free to pack some snacks or a thermos of hot apple cider to share!

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