From Darrington, you can enjoy backcountry trails and access to the Pacific Crest Trail, PCT.  To the north the Suiattle River Trail which accesses the PCT, has a large turnaround parking with designated parking for horse trailers.  The North Sauk Trail which has access to the PCT, has designated horse trailer parking and at the trailhead a designated horse campground.  Just beyond this trailhead further down the road is the Bald – Eagle Curry Gap Trail which accesses the PCT, used as much with limited parking.  The Meadow Mountain Trail is also open to equine use and is an in and out destination.

There is a nice horse campground towards the end of Sloan Creek Road, Forest Service Road #49,  thanks to the hard work of the Traildusters Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington.  This is a dispersed camping destination, meaning no garbage receptacles, bring in your water and other needs.  When having stock in the National Forest, be sure it is certified weed free.  The campground has a limit of 12 occupants, horse or person counts as an occupant.  The campground is adjacent to the North Sauk Trail where there is a toilet and just about 3 miles further down the road is the Bald Eagle – Curry Gap Trail.

Looking to improve your riding skills or just enjoy watching some amazing riding?  The Darrington Horse Owners Association puts on Play Days weekends at the rodeo grounds May thru September.  This is a great opportunity to hone your riding skills and have a lot of fun doing it.  Camping can be made available at the rodeo grounds.  Every June is the annual Darrington Timberbowl Rodeo, a long time tradition.  This is a great family event, including the kids in some of the activities, something everyone will look forward to over and over!

The Whitehorse Trail is a 27 mile corridor connecting the city of Arlington to the town of Darrington and other communities of the North Fork Stillaguamish Valley.  This trail is designated for foot traffic, bicycling and horseback riding.  Motorized vehicles are not allowed on this trail.  This trail parallels the North Fork Stillaguamish River and State Route 530, winding through forest, wetlands and farm lands crossing several bridges.  Currently the trail is closed west of Trafton due to a landslide.  Trailer in access can be found at Fortson Park and future plans are underway for trailer in access at Whitehorse Park near Darrington.