Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

COHVOPS

Welcome! to the Deschutes N.F.'s Edison Butte OHV Trail System

General Information

The Edison Butte Trail System, about 25 miles long, is located on the slopes of Kwolh Butte and Sheridan Mountain, west of Bend. Edison Butte is open to OHV use from April 1 through November 30. The recommended riding season is late June to October because of the high elevation and tendency of snow to cover the trail into the spring and summer months. Edison is open to Class I – quads, Class II vehicles under 80 inches and Class III - motorcycles. Vehicles exceeding 80 inches in width are not allowed on the Edison OHV trails. All OHVs are restricted to existing 80” trail tread except in areas where OHV boundary markers are located allowing rock crawl for opportunities . Please stay on the designated trails and Tread Lightly!

The trail system goes through ponderosa pine and manzanita forest in the lower elevations, near the Edison Sno-Park and goes up into stands of hemlock trees near Kwolh Butte and Sheridan Mountain. The volcanic terrain can be challenging because there are many loose rocks and lava ridges to go over. As a result, the trails are considered "More Difficult." Two shelters are situated along the trail, The Sheridan Mountain and the Kwolh Butte shelters which offer impressive views of the Central Oregon Cascade Mountains.

The staging area for this trail system is at the Edison Sno-park. An information board, maps and a vault toilet are available on site.

The trail system is shared with mountain bikers and other recreationists during the summer months, so be conscientious and courteous of other users on the trails.

These trails and facilities have been developed and maintained for your enjoyment through a cooperative effort by the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Parks and Recreation ATV Funds, Deschutes County 4-wheel Drive Club, Central Oregon Motorcycle and ATV Club, Central Oregon Adventures and many other volunteers.

How To Get There

From Bend: Take the Cascade Lakes Highway (Hwy 46) 18 miles west of Bend toward Mt. Bachelor, turn left at the Sunriver exit and travel another 6 miles south on Road 45. Turn right at the Edison Sno-Park sign.

Know Before You Go. Call Ahead For Information.

For any questions relating to trails, closures, conduct, rules, regulations and/or concerns please contact...

• OHV Hotline -- 24 hour recorded information, (541) 383-4010
• COHVOPS -- Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District, 1230 NE 3rd St., Suite A-262, Bend, OR, 97701, (541) 383-4000

Maps, Signs, and Photos

• Trail Map
• Edison Butte Signing
• Edison Butte Photos

Camping

The Edison Sno-park is a paved parking lot that is large enough for motor homes and fifth wheels. Camping is allowed in the parking lot but facilities are primitive. There is no water and no garbage collection. A vault toilet is located in the center of the parking area.

Fire

Campfires are permitted, but please keep them small and don't leave them unattended. Please do not build campfires on the pavement. High winds and dry conditions can fuel a wildfire even at unlikely times of the year. Spark arrestors are required on your OHVs, chainsaws, and generators from April 1 to October 31.

Later in the summer, there may be restrictions on campfires, smoking, BBQs, and off-road use, so please check at the Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District office or watch for regulations posted at trailheads, staging areas and major access roads.

Safety

The Edison Butte area is remote and visitors should be equipped to be self-sufficient. Riders should wear appropriate safety gear, carry a first aid kit, and never ride alone. All trails in Edison Butte are two-way. Many of the trails are tight and narrow and are maintained in a manner to provide a primitive trail experience. Thus, there are numerous blind turns, hikers, other riders, horses or mountain bikes should be anticipated around every turn. Rocks and logs will be slippery when wet. Riding fast is hazardous and not recommended.

Tips For Forest Trails

• Ride defensively
• Keep to the right
• Watch for other recreationists
• Single file traveling
• Don't ride in the dust of others

Soils

The soils around Edison Butte vary. While it is difficult to impact the rocky lava flows, the soils in alpine meadows and forests can be adversely affected by recreational use. Proper alignment, construction and maintenance can minimize these impacts but your cooperation is needed as well. Please stay on the designated trails and Tread Lightly!

Plants

Plant life on rock outcroppings is fragile and sparse. Not only are they dazzling in their delicate beauty, they also stabilize the soil, provide nutrients, retain moisture and provide food for all forms of wildlife. In alpine meadows, plant life is abundant yet it is also has a special function. Plants reduce erosion from snowmelt, as well as providing nutrients and providing cover and food for wildlife. You can help protect these plants and maintain a healthy ecosystem by staying on the designated trails and areas.

Noxious weeds are plants that are not natural residents of this ecosystem. Some are poisonous, spread rapidly, and can out-compete native plants for light and water. Seeds from noxious weeds can lodge in tires or tight places on your OHV and other vehicles and can easily be transported from place to place. The spread of these weeds can be reduced by thoroughly washing your equipment before leaving home.

Wildlife

There are many forms of wildlife in the Edison Butte area. Please remember that this is their home seven days a week and that you are a visitor. You can avoid being an intruder by keeping your noise down and staying on the designated trails. When you encounter wildlife, slow down, watch and enjoy them, but keep moving.