Located on the north side of Mt. Adams, Keenes Horse Camp is not to be missed! The camp provides access to pretty forested loops, to a 360-degree panorama from the summit of Green Mountain, and to jaw-dropping mountain views in the Mt. Adams Wilderness.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 50+ miles of riding
Elevation: 4,350 feet
The Riding
You can ride a short, fun loop to Horseshoe Lake.
Or you can enjoy a longer loop to Midway Meadows.
You can ride to the summit of Green Mountain, with its panoramic view that includes the tip of Mt. Rainier.
You can visit Lava Spring, where a steady stream of water gushes out of the base of an impressive lava flow.
Don’t miss the Killen Creek/Muddy Meadows Loop, which features close-up views of Mt. Adams as well as panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, the Goat Rocks, and other nearby mountains. Add in a waterfall and some pretty meadows, and you have the makings of a stunning ride!
Keenes Horse Camp
Keenes Horse Camp (pronounced Key-nuss) was named after Keenes Meade, a Forest Service mule packer. It features 13 sites with highline posts, picnic tables, and fire rings. Sites 1-8 are pull-throughs that can accommodate larger rigs. The camp has toilets, manure bins, stock water from a trough, and an accessible mounting ramp. A fee is charged for overnight camping. Day-use parking is available.
Getting to Keenes Horse Camp
From I-5, take Exit 68 (to Morton/Yakima) and head east on Hwy. 12. In 48.5 miles, in Randle, turn right on Hwy. 131. When the road makes a Y in 1 mile, veer left on Road 23. Follow it 17.7 miles, then turn left on Road 21. Drive 4.7 miles and turn right on Road 56. From here on, signs point the way to Keenes Horse Camp. Continue for 3 miles on Road 56, which is paved at first, then gravel. Turn right on Road 5603, which is gravel at first, then paved. Follow it for 5.2 miles and turn right on gravel Road 2329. In 2.1 miles you’ll arrive at the entrance to Keenes sites 1-8 on the right. The entrance to Keenes sites 9-13 is 0.1 mile farther ahead on the right.
Learn More
You’ll find more information about Keenes Horse Camp and the surrounding trails in Riding SW Washington Horse Trails, by Kim McCarrel, (Ponderosa Press, 2018), available at www.nwhorsetrails.com.