E-bikes on Olympic National Forest trails
Puget Sound & Olympic Peninsula, Washington · Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, Grays Harbor · Managed by USDA Forest Service – Olympic NF
🟡 Only on routes open to motor vehicles
Last checked:
Which classes: Class 1, 2 and 3 only on roads and trails open to motor vehicles; none on non-motorized trails
The rules
The forest treats e-bikes as motor vehicles, so they are limited to routes open to motor vehicles. Bikes of any kind are banned in wilderness and on hiking-only trails.
What the official source says:
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are considered motor vehicles and may not be allowed on all forest roads and trails
Source: USDA Forest Service – Olympic NF
📞 Call ahead: 360-956-2402 (rules and closures change)
Gear for this ride
- Thule EasyFold XT 2 hitch rackFolding 2-bike hitch rack rated for 65 lb per bike — enough for most e-bikes. Check your bike's weight first.
- Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini U-lockKryptonite's top-rated U-lock, Sold Secure Gold, for trailheads and town stops.
- Dynaplug Racer Pro tire plug kitFixes tubeless punctures on the trail with preloaded plugs.
- Topeak Mini Morph pumpFrame-mounted mini pump that fits both Presta and Schrader valves.
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Washington's e-bike classes
Washington has three e-bike classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle, cuts out at 20 mph) and Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28 mph, with a speedometer). All three need working pedals and a motor of no more than 750 watts. Washington e-bike laws →
Not sure which class you have? E-bike classes explained →
Did this rule change, or is something here wrong? Tell us and we'll re-check it against the official source.
Nearby trails
- Foothills Trail (Pierce County) 🟢 Class 1 & 2 onlyPierce County Parks and Recreation
- Galbraith Mountain 🟠 Class 1 onlyCity of Bellingham Parks & Recreation (recreation easement), trails managed by Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition under city contract