There is something magical about seeing our beautiful countryside from the back of a horse. Whether you own your own or just want to rent a horse for a ride, horseback riding in Skagit County and beyond is a wonderful way to get outdoors. The summer months are peak time for riding, though some trails and places are open year-round, so don’t let a bit of rain deter you from enjoying a lovely hack.
Horse Rentals in Skagit County and Surrounding Area
Butler Hill Equestrian Center
Butler Hill Equestrian Center is located in Burlington and offers rail rides on their horses. They are open for rides summer through the fall, weather permitting. Guided trail rides vary in length from one to three hours through five miles of private trails. For more information, visit the Butler Hill Equestrian Center website.
Lang’s Horse and Pony Farm
Lang’s Horse and Pony Farm is located in Mount Vernon and offers trail rides for the whole family. Their guided trail rides traverse over 300 acres of gorgeous forest. They have everything from short, 15-minute pony rides for the kids, to mountain trail rides for adults, which last about 2 hours. They even have trail rides that include a lesson in the arena first, for those waiting to learn a bit more about horsemanship before hitting the trail. Choose from semi-private rides, you, your friends and family, and a guide, or public rides which will consist of up to 10 riders with 1 or 2 guides. For those looking for a fun date night, book their couples ride, that ends with a cozy cowboy campfire and a s’mores basket. They also do birthday parties and offer lessons and horse camps. For more information visit the Lang’s Horse and Pony farm website or call 360.424.7630.
Orcas Island Trail Rides
If you are looking for a unique place to go on a trail ride, take a trip to Orcas Island and saddle up with Orcas Island Trail Rides. On their guided tours, you will get to experience the amazing backcountry of the island’s State Park in a way you never have before. They have a few trail options, including Mount Picket Lane, which is perfect for children and beginners; South Arch Trail, that’s 1.5-hours and includes narrow switchbacks; South Boundary trail, a 2.5 hour trail over mountain terrain; and Island View Trail, a 3.5-hour ride that takes you to the top of Mount Pickett so you can enjoy an incredible view of Orcas Island. They are open year-round. Riders must be at least 7-years-old. For more information, visit Orcas Island Trail Rides website or call 360-376-2134.
Horseback Riding Trails in Skagit County
If you own your own horse, then all you need is a trailer and you can start exploring the amazing trails throughout Skagit County. With acres and acres for forestland, there are miles of trails to explore throughout the county, here are some to start you on your travels.
The Cascade Trail is a great, year-round trail with heads at Fruitdale Road in Sedro-Woolley, and Railroad Avenue in Concrete. The Fruitdale trailhead has a portable toilet. At 22.5 miles in length, you are certain to be able to ride for as long as you want. The trail is part of the rails to trails conservancy and is therefore nice and wide. It’s mostly crushed stone and gravel, so hoof protection is recommended.
The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest provides miles and miles of trails, from easy to difficult for every type and level of rider. There are over 50 trails within the National Forest, many which are open to horses. The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the most well-known, and provides miles of scenic riding. The entire trail is open to riding, and there are seven trailheads within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for you to choose from.
For those who would like to camp with their horses, the Pacific Crest Trail North 2000, has horse camp sites. Other trails with horse camping include Baker Lake Trail, Park Butte Trail, Canyon Ridge Trail, Goat Mountain Trail, Hannegan Pass Trail, High Divide Trail, and Silesia Creek Trai.
All the forest trails require a day use fee or a Recreation Pass. It’s a good idea to check the National Forest service website before going, as some of these trails can be icy and snow-covered, even in the early summer months. Some may have downed trees that have not been cleared.
Grab your saddle bags, a friend, and hit the trails for some lovely horseback riding in Skagit County.
