Bannon Mountain Trailhead

For Washingtonians who love to explore the great outdoors with their horses or Off-Road Vehicles (OHVs), Bannon Mountain Trailhead offers a unique and highly suitable camping experience. Located near Tonasket in the scenic Colville National Forest, this site isn't just a place to park; it's a gateway to miles of converted forest service roads now serving as recreational trails. Providing a rustic yet welcoming environment, Bannon Mountain Trailhead is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic outdoor adventure with their motorized or equestrian companions.

This article is designed specifically for local users across Washington, offering a comprehensive and engaging overview of Bannon Mountain Trailhead. We will delve into its specific location and accessibility, outline the essential services available, and highlight the distinctive features that make it a perfect spot for horse riders and OHV enthusiasts. Discover why Bannon Mountain Trailhead is a must-visit for your next Washington outdoor excursion.

Bannon Mountain Trailhead is situated near Tonasket, WA 98855, USA, specifically within the expansive Colville National Forest. Its exact location is approximately 12 miles east of Tonasket via State Route 20, then 2 miles on Aeneas Valley Road (#9455), and finally about 2.5 miles on Forest Service Roads #3010 and #3010-200. This places it in a beautiful, forested area, offering a true immersion in Washington's Okanogan Highlands.

The accessibility of Bannon Mountain Trailhead is a key feature for its target users. It's designed to accommodate trailers for both horses and Off-Road Vehicles, providing dedicated parking. While the exact condition of the forest service roads leading to the trailhead can vary with weather and maintenance, they are generally passable for vehicles pulling trailers, making it a relatively straightforward journey for those equipped for outdoor recreational travel. The trailhead is open 24 hours a day, allowing for flexible arrival times. For Washington residents, particularly those in Eastern Washington, it offers a convenient and accessible option for accessing a vast network of trails. Even for those coming from Western Washington, the drive offers a scenic transition into the drier, more open landscapes of the eastern side of the Cascades. Its specific location within the Colville National Forest means visitors are immediately surrounded by natural beauty, ready to embark on their adventures without significant further travel once they arrive.

Bannon Mountain Trailhead offers a free, dispersed-style camping experience with basic amenities tailored to the needs of those engaging in horse and OHV recreation.

• Parking for Horse and OHV Trailers: The primary service is ample parking specifically designed to accommodate trailers for both horses and Off-Road Vehicles, making it a convenient staging area. The maximum vehicle length for camping trailers is 24 feet.

• Livestock Corral and Unloading Ramp: For equestrian enthusiasts, the site features a livestock corral and an unloading ramp, providing essential facilities for safely managing horses upon arrival and departure.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: There are 3 picnic tables/fire rings available, offering designated spots for cooking and gathering. Campfires are permitted only in developed fire rings, and visitors should always check current fire danger ratings and restrictions.

• Vault Toilet: A vault toilet is available at the campground, providing a basic restroom facility. While not flush toilets, these are essential for convenience in a rustic setting.

• No Potable Water: It is important for campers to note that potable water is not available at this site. Visitors must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and other uses.

• Fee-Free Camping: Bannon Mountain Trailhead is a free campground, which is a significant advantage for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. There is no day-use fee or camping fee.

• Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are enforced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers.

• Maximum Length of Stay: There is a maximum length of stay of 14 days, allowing for extended recreational trips.

• Pet Policy: Pets are allowed but must be under voice command or on a leash, ensuring safety and respect for other users and wildlife.

• Food Storage: Food and wildlife attractants must be properly stored at all times to prevent attracting wildlife.

Bannon Mountain Trailhead offers several key features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for its specific user base.

• Gateway to Extensive Trails: The trailhead provides direct access to a series of old Forest Service Roads that have been converted into designated trails for horse and OHV travel. This extensive network allows for long rides and explorations through diverse forest landscapes.

• Tailored for Specific Recreation: Unlike many general campgrounds, Bannon Mountain Trailhead is specifically equipped to support equestrian and OHV activities with dedicated parking, a corral, and an unloading ramp. This specialization makes it highly convenient for these groups.

• Rustic and Natural Setting: The campground offers a free, dispersed camping experience in a small, wooded setting. This provides a more authentic and immersive wilderness feel compared to more developed campgrounds, appealing to those who prefer a less structured outdoor environment.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: With quiet hours enforced and its location somewhat off the main thoroughfares, the campground generally provides a peaceful retreat, allowing campers to enjoy the sounds of nature without excessive noise.

• Scenic Forest Environment: Being located within the Colville National Forest, visitors are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Okanogan highlands, offering opportunities for scenic views and wildlife observation.

• Accessibility for Trailers: The ability to easily bring and unload horse or OHV trailers is a significant advantage, removing a common logistical hurdle for these types of recreational activities.

For inquiries and further information about Bannon Mountain Trailhead, you can contact the managing agency, the Colville National Forest.

Address: Tonasket, WA 98855, USA (The physical location of the trailhead)

For administrative inquiries or current conditions, it's best to contact the Tonasket Ranger District of the Colville National Forest.

Phone: (509) 486-2186 (Tonasket Ranger District)

Since Bannon Mountain Trailhead is a primitive, free campground without dedicated on-site staff, direct communication regarding site-specific details is generally handled by the broader Forest Service office. Before planning your trip, it is highly recommended to call this number or visit the official Colville National Forest website for the latest updates on trail conditions, any fire restrictions, or other alerts that might impact your visit, especially concerning OHV use or horse travel.

Bannon Mountain Trailhead is an exceptional local resource for Washingtonians who are passionate about horse riding and Off-Road Vehicle adventures. Its prime location in the Colville National Forest, combined with its specialized amenities like trailer parking, a livestock corral, and direct access to a network of trails, makes it an unparalleled staging ground for these activities. For locals seeking a free, rustic, and purpose-built camping experience that caters to their specific outdoor interests, this trailhead is a standout choice.

The quiet, natural setting, coupled with the freedom of dispersed-style camping (within designated areas), allows for a deeply immersive and personalized outdoor adventure. It provides a chance to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Okanogan region with your chosen recreational vehicle or animal, creating memories that go beyond a typical camping trip. While amenities are basic, the focus here is on the journey and the exploration, making it perfect for self-sufficient adventurers. Bannon Mountain Trailhead truly serves as a local hub for a vibrant segment of Washington's outdoor community, offering accessible and enjoyable access to the state's vast trail systems.

Bannon Mountain Trailhead

Tonasket, WA 98855, USA