April 19, 2012, 1:09 pm

GUEST POST: Top five ATV Trails in Oregon

Riding ATVs and OHVs are a popular activity in Oregon, and today’s guest post by Adam Danielson highlights five of the best trails in the state.

By Adam Danielson (Guest Post)

Oregon boasts a diverse range of public trails and areas suitable for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other off-highway vehicles (OHVs).

Before visiting them, make sure to get an Oregon ATV license, which Oregon requires by law to operate an ATV on public land. Note that no Oregon ATV license is necessary on private land, but make sure that

you have the legal right to be on that property.

1. Winom Frazier OHV Complex

Located among the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, the Winom Frazier OHV Complex is expansive, majestically scenic and rider-friendly. There’s a great deal of trail diversity here, so there are areas perfect for new riders and trails perfect for established riders looking for a challenge. In addition, the complex winds through multiple national forests and ranger districts, so it’s an ideal area for ATV riders seeking extended journeys. Despite everything described, the complex does not get much traffic, and that underuse is perhaps Winom Frazier’s most magical quality.

2. Browns Camp OHV Area

There are many OHV campgrounds at Tillamook State Forest, but Browns Camp is the largest, most diverse and least used. Browns Camp is also one of the best staging areas in Oregon for ATV riders at the novice to amateur skill levels. The area has many trails that are fun, small, secluded and lack any obstacles at all, which makes them perfect as instructional areas.

Almost all trails here are rated and marked, which is another advantage for new riders. Nevertheless, bring a GPS or radio unit, and be aware that there are trails here not rated for ATVs.

3. Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

The Christmas Valley Sand Dunes provide a distinct experience from the locations at the number one and number two spot. This area also distinguishes itself by being open to the public year-round, which makes it particularly popular among OHV riders during wintertime.

Note that this area can get extremely muddy during periods of rain and snow, so be sure to travel into an out of the area using a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

4. Blue Ridge Trails

The Blue Ridge Trails are located east of Coos Bay and offer a picturesque coastal ridge setting. The trail system consists of approximately 10 miles of single-lane tracks suitable for ATVs. Almost all trails are rated, marked and well maintained. The trail system also integrates gravel roads, and some trails are rated for hikers and equestrians. The important thing to note about the Blue Ridge trails is that there are no novice trails, but there is an excellent array of amateur and expert trails.

5. Upper Nestucca Trail System

Upper Nestucca is an expansive trail system with multiple staging areas and a great deal of diversity.

There is a particularly excellent selection of challenging trails for expert riders. The area also has many trails suitable for amateur and novice riders. Trails range from flat and smooth to crusty and steep, and the many transitions provide for a great experience. The primary issue with Upper Nestucca is that developed campgrounds are 5 miles or more away and there is no direct access from those campsites to

the trails. If you’re in search of an adventure, however, this system will certainly provide it.

o o o o

Adam Danielson has grown up outside fishing, hunting, and kayaking his whole life. He has a background in Recreation & Leisure Studies, plus worked as a Reservist in the Canadian Army. In his spare time he does freelance work writing about sports and outdoor life. He's also working on his own blog, which you can read here.

o o o

Past blogs

TAHITI ERA WINDING DOWN AS ORANGE TORPEDO SWITCHES CRAFTS

SISKIYOU MOUNTAIN CLUB PROMOTES KALMIOPSIS TRAILS, CREAES NEW ROUTE

LEARNING IN THE FIELD AT THE SISKIYOU INSTITUTE

HEAD INTO THE SNOW WITH THE CRATER LAKE SKI PATROL

THREE BOYS LOST IN WOODS NEAR GALICE FOUND SAFELY

NET GAINS EXPECTED IN SALMON, STEELHEAD RUNS ON THE ROGUE RIVER

« Back to blog main page
This site Copyright © 2011 Grants Pass Daily Courier/Courier Publishing Company.
To return to the Daily Courier homepage click here