Where are good places to go off roading in Oregon?

awesome. Enjoy

 

Fresh snow just means it's time to go have fun.

 

Fun like this!

 

Any recommendations on a mostly trail-based route from the Washington border to the Alvord desert? I completed the wabdr this past summer and am thinking about a route that begins at the Washington / Oregon border along gravel roads with nice views. I'm not looking for anything really technical or rock crawling. Forest roads are fine. I think I will begin mapping a route in the next week.

 

Look at the OBDR. It takes you to near Lakeview on the CA border. Then east to Alvord would be an easy matter on gravel.

 

I'll look into that.

Another question: A lot of the area that I have mapped out between Bend and Alvord desert is BLM land. Do I need a special permit to explore and drive through this area? My current plan is to begin in Bend and follow various dirt roads to the A6 Intruder site and camp out nearby. Then make my way to the Alvord desert.

 

Nope. Unless you go to one of the OHV areas like Millican or Fort Rock in which case you need a OHV sticker.https://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/ATV/pages/Permits.aspx
BLM land is wide open as far as I know.

 

Don’t know of a permit. But make sure to refer to the motor vehicle use maps(if you aren’t already)

 

Yeah actually that was for ATV's. In any case BLM land is open.

 

The MVUMs display National Forest System (NFS) routes (roads and trails) designated as open to motorized travel. The MVUMs also display allowed uses by vehicle class (ex. highway-legal vehicles, vehicles 50 inches in width or less and motorcycles); seasonal allowances, off route travel distance allowances, and provides information on other travel rules and regulations.

 

There are some seasonal closures in the Deschutes National Forest southeast of Bend during Hunting season(October-November). Open roads are marked with the green dot. If you have Gaia pro or similar, you may have access to the MVUM's there.

 

That is very helpful information especially about the green dots.

 

Well, they are marked on the ground as such, but for route planning purposes one would need the MVUM info to let you knnow ahead of time. I dont know when @yeos is planning on travelling but these closures are usually only during deer season and are mostly the more minor roads. The main through routes are always open. There are also map stations at major intersections out there with free printed maps available(sometimes). Once you get out to BLM, I dont believe they have any sort of limited access. Gotta watch for private property though.

 

Thanks for the info. I do use a Gaia maps and have a legacy account which unfortunately does not include the MVUM overlays. I have been thinking about purchasing the premium subscription. The areas that I frequent in Washington is mainly Forest Service managed so BLM is new to me though I've heard the term used a lot in the youtube videos I watch.

 

Yeah BLM is like the FS's little brother. They got the less desireable lands as far as resources and recreation, but for me, BLM is the way to fly. Moar Desert!

 

Late winter / spring would be my target for this trip.

 

Well, there wont be many people out there then thats for sure. Great country though. There is a BLM campground at Green Mountain. Up on top, so it could be cold and windy then. Free.

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200018730316802
Snow run sponsored by 4wheel parts.

 

I think I know what I'm gonna do Sunday.. hah

 

Let me know how it is. I have to be at the coast. Curious where they go, cause I thought lolo pass was closed for the winter. But nonetheless I see truck tracks all winter long going up. I’m bummed I can’t make it.