In the Randle Ranger District are several nice ATV trails around Blue Lake. Open to ATV, motorcycle, bicycle, horse and hiker use, an ATVer has to be careful along the 16.7 mile length. The rise ranges from 1300 to 3200 feet above sea level. One special condition of use is: The entire trail is closed to motorized vehicles from Dec. 1 to April 1 to minimize disturbances to wildlife.
The ATV trail begins at Road 28 near the Cispus River Bridge and ends at Road 78 beyond Cat Creek Campground. From Road 28 to the Blue Lake ORV Trailhead the trail is open to hikers, horses, mountain bikes and motorcycles. This 7.5-mile section follows the Cispus River through stands of mixed pines and hardwoods, and then crosses the North Fork River on the Road 23 Bridge. Be very careful, watch for vehicle traffic.
It continues past the junction of Bishop Ridge Trail 272 and Trail 270A until it meets Blue Lake Ridge Trail 271 above the Blue Lake Trailhead on Road 23. The Trail 270 south of Blue Lake Trailhead to Road 78 is open to ATVs as well as hikers, horses, mountain bikes and motorcycles. Here is a gentle grade, with views of the Cispus River Valley and Tongue Mountain. It offers a loop opportunity for ATVs by using Trail 271 and Trail 271A. The Valley Trail continues past the junction with Trail 271 near the Blue Lake Trailhead to Road 78. The Campground Trail 270A begins in the Blue Lake Creek Campground on Road 23 and ties in with the Valley Trail 270. This is a great loop around trail for both the newer and experienced ATVer, a great time is waiting to be had by all.
