Peterman Hill is a mighty nice year-round riding area in the forested hills on the outskirts of Morton, WA. At nearly 7,000 acres, Peterman Hill (sometimes called Peterman Ridge) features a ten-mile network of trails and closed roads. Plus, open gravel logging roads crisscross the area, and you can combine them with the trails to create interesting loops.
The Riding
Peterman Hill, part of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area, occupies several hills between Highway 12 and Riffe Lake. Some of the trails at Peterman Hill are single-track, and some follow closed roads. Color-coded signposts mark all the trails, so it’s easy to find your way.
The trails at Peterman Hill are open to hikers and mountain bikes as well as horses. This is a popular spot for fall hunting, so you might want to ride elsewhere during hunting season. Keep an eye out for logging trucks, as logging may occur here year-round.
The Wildlife
Opportunities for wildlife watching abound at Peterman Hill. This part of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area provides protected habitat for pileated woodpeckers, black-tailed deer, and Douglas squirrels. In addition, black bears, cougars, elk, grouse, turkeys, beavers, and several types of amphibians have been spotted here. While you’re unlikely to see any bears, cougars, or elk (they value their privacy, so they tend to stay away from the trails), it’s nice to know that they roam this pretty forest.
The Facilities
The trailhead has a vault toilet, hitching rails, garbage cans, and parking for ten or more trailers.
Learn More
You’ll find more information about Peterman Hill in Riding Southwest Washington Horse Trails, by Kim McCarrel, available at www.nwhorsetrails.com.
