Wright Meadow is a great jumping-off spot for exploring the beautiful uplands above the Lewis River. But it isn’t for everyone. The riding is challenging, and the camping is primitive. But the mountain views are breathtaking, the seasonal wildflowers are stunning, and the waterfalls are gorgeous. If you have an experienced trail horse and you don’t mind roughing it a bit, you’ll truly enjoy Wright Meadow.
The Camping
Wright Meadow isn’t a campground. It’s simply a large, graveled area. You’ll be parking in a gravel lot, highlining your horses in the trees, bringing your stock water, and digging a cat hole in the woods to use as a toilet. Or you can use the Wright Meadow parking area as a day-use trailhead. Camping and day-use parking are free.
The Riding
The riding can be challenging, with big elevation changes and some steep side hills. The trails are rutted by motorcycles into a deep V in places, and erosion has exposed many roots your horse will have to clamber over.
And though these trails are open to hikers, horses, and motorcycles, you’ll encounter several steep traverses where it may be difficult to get off the trail if you were to meet an oncoming motorcycle.
That said, the mountain views, wildflowers, and waterfalls you’ll see along the trails are well worth it!
Learn More
You’ll find more information about the riding and camping at Wright Meadow in Riding Southwest Washington Horse Trails, by Kim McCarrel, available at www.nwhorsetrails.com.
