TORCH TRAIL REVIEW #019 | 7 MILE OHV TRAIL (SPOKANE, WA)
Looking for the ultimate off-road playground in the Pacific Northwest? Tucked inside Riverside State Park just outside of Spokane, Washington (WA), the 7 Mile OHV Area delivers 600 acres of diverse terrain designed for everything from stock 4x4s to fully built rock crawlers. Whether you're running trail diagnostics, testing out a new suspension setup, or bringing the family out for a day in the dirt, 7 Mile OHV offers one of the most accessible and versatile off-road destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
TRAIL OVERVIEW
How difficult is the 7 Mile OHV Area? Spanning 600 acres of open terrain and forested corridors, 7 Mile OHV is a choose-your-own-adventure park ranging from beginner-friendly to hardcore, making it ideal for drivers of all skill levels. With multiple bypasses on almost every major obstacle, you can push your rig's limits on rock crawls or stick to smooth dirt paths while enjoying the pine forests of Spokane County.
THE TERRAIN
Loose Dirt & Ruts: Winding trails cut through tight tree corridors featuring off-camber ruts and variable dirt conditions that test tire traction and suspension response.
Man-Made Rock Gardens: Dedicated obstacle sections packed with oversized boulders designed to test ground clearance, skid plates, and suspension travel- some of the most demanding man-made obstacles in the Spokane area.
Steep Inclines & Hill Climbs: Loose-dirt hill climbs with varying gradients that require smooth throttle control and low-range 4WD to navigate cleanly.
1979 JEEP CHEROKEE OFF-ROAD REVIEW
Driving 7 Mile OHV with @DaysofPainandVictory in his heavily customized 1979 Jeep Cherokee, built with a military-style Kaiser M715 windshield frame and a Quadrajet carburetor swap, put a unique rig through its paces on one of the PNW's most dynamic off-road courses.
Full-Size Stance: Navigating a heavy, full-size vintage Jeep platform through tight tree lines and rocks proved the value of proper ground clearance to protect body panels on technical terrain.
Articulation: Taking on the park's man-made rock piles showcased how essential suspension flex and proper tires are when crawling over uneven boulders at low speed.
Test & Tune Versatility: The varied terrain at 7 Mile OHV makes it the perfect venue to test component flex, check tire clearance under load, and dial in a rig's overall stance before hitting long-distance backcountry routes.
TIPS FROM THE SCOUT
Pick Your Lines: With obstacles ranging from easy to intense, it's recommended to scout first on foot if you're running a factory ride height rig or lack underbody armor.
Air Down for Traction: Lowering tire pressure is strongly advised to help your tires wrap around loose boulders and maintain traction on steep, dusty hill climbs.
Use the Bypasses: Don't feel pressured to tackle every challenge. Almost all high-difficulty obstacles feature clear bypasses, allowing mixed-capability groups to wheel together safely.
IS A LIFT KIT REQUIRED FOR 7 MILE OHV?
While basic dirt paths in the park can be navigated by stock 4x4s, tackling the park's iconic rock gardens and deep ruts requires elevated ground clearance. To explore these technical features cleanly, your rig should meet these guidelines.
Lifted Stance: A suspension lift kit is strongly recommended to increase approach, departure, and breakover angles over boulders and steep ledges.
All-Terrain or Mud-Terrain Tires: Aggressive tread is essential for digging through loose dirt and gripping exposed rock surfaces.
Underbody Confidence: Upgrading your factory ride height protects lower frame rails, diff covers, and rocker panels from expensive contact with obstacles.
SUMMARY STATS
Location: Riverside State Park / 7 Mile OHV (Spokane County, WA)
Difficulty: Beginner to Hardcore (1/10 to 8/10 depending on line choice)
Area: ~600 acres of off-road terrain / multiple trail loops
Terrain: Loose dirt, pine forest ruts, man-made rock gardens, hill climbs, and boulder crawls
Recommended Setup: High-clearance 4x4, all-terrain tires, and a reliable suspension lift
THE VERDICT
7 Mile OHV Area stands out as one of Spokane's premier off-road playgrounds, offering a fantastic mix of family-friendly trail cruising and technical challenges. If you're looking for a versatile park in the PNW to test your rig's capabilities, 7 Mile OHV belongs on your bucket list.
A huge thank you to @DaysofPainandVictory for bringing out his heavily-customized 1979 Jeep Cherokee and exploring the park. Check out his channel for more off-road adventures and real-world rig testing.
Tackling boulders and ruts requires a confident stance and reliable suspension travel. Is your rig ready?
🔧 Shop Suspension Upgrades for the Jeep Cherokee
👉 Explore our lineup of TORCH Off Road Lift Kits
Where are you wheeling next? Drop your favorite local trail in the comments and tag us @torchoffroad - we're always scouting the next episode! -TORCH
