Oregon is one of the most popular states in the nation for off road riding. There are thousands of off road trails throughout the state that are enjoyed by the many enthusiasts who engage in this sport. These trails are located in the Cascade Range and Siskiyou Mountains, Northeastern Oregon, Southeastern Oregon, the Oregon Coast and Coast Range. Because of the popularity of these trails, Oregon has strict rules and regulations regarding their use. Read more on off road trails in Oregon below.
Some trails are restricted to specific types of off the road vehicles. For example, a regular ATV has access to more off road trails than other vehicles such as jeeps and trucks. These requirements protect the natural beauty of the state as well as reducing the possibility of forest fires.
Definition of Off Road Vehicles
Oregon laws divide off road vehicles into classes I, II, III, and IV. These classes are identified as follows:
Class I – ATVs and 3 Wheelers- Class II – 4x4s (jeeps, trucks, Sand Buggy’s and Sand Rails)
- Class III – Motorcycles
- Class IV – Side-by-sides
Class I – ATVs and 3 Wheelers
When using any off road vehicle on public lands in Oregon a permit is required. This permit can be obtained online, at Oregon parks, at the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Office or by telephone. The cost for Class II permit is $10.00 to $10.50 and is valid for 2 years.
Class II Vehicles
This article concerns the rules, regulations and trails that involve Class II jeeps and trucks. These are not considered an all terrain vehicle, which falls under the rules and regulations for Class IV. Many of the Oregon off road trails do not allow vehicles that fall under this class.
Regulations for operating this type of vehicle on Oregon off-trail sites include:
- Insurance
- A permit
- Mufflers
- Working lights and brakes
- Windshield wipers
- Valid driver’s license
- Permits from other states are accepted
Popular County Vehicle II Oregon Trails
- Tillamook – Sand Lake Recreation Area
- Lane – Honeyman State Park, Cottage Grove
- Coos, Douglas, Lane – Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
- Coos – Riley Ranch, Saunders-Lake-Dunes Access
- Marion – McCoy Motorized recreation Area
- Lake – Christmas Valley Sand Dunes
- Deschutes – East Fort Rock and Edison Butte
- Deschutes, Crook – Millican Valley
- Klamath – Klamath Sportsman’s Park
- Josephine – McGrew 4×4 Trail
- Plus 14 more areas available for Class II Vehicles
Spending an off road day in the beautiful mountains or spectacular beach sand dunes of Oregon is something that will be remembered for years to come.
Photo credit: birddogger – Charlie Bird / Foter / CC BY-SA
Photo credit: Officer Phil / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)