COHVOPS
Welcome!
to the
Crooked River N.G.'s
Henderson Flat
OHV Trail System
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General Information
Henderson Flat OHV trail system is part of the Crooked River National
Grassland and is characterized by open juniper vegetation spread
over steep to rolling hills and interspersed with dramatically beautiful
red rimrock breaks. The trails overlook the Deschutes Basin with
spectacular views of the Cascade Range. It provides 18 miles of
casual OHV use covering 1480 acres and ranging in elevation from
3000 to 3400 feet.
The trail system is designed for Class I and Class III ATV's, which
are quads, three-wheelers or motorcycles less than 50" wide.
Henderson Flat is not an OHV park. Off-highway vehicles are allowed
on designated routes and areas only. If it is not signed as open,
it is closed. Non-street legal motorcycles and ATV's must stay on
designated trails, they may not ride on roads. The trails are open
to horses, mountain bikes and other recreationists, so please watch
out for others and ride sharefully.
The trail system is open from April 1 through November 30. The
best riding takes advantage of the cooler, more moist periods of
early spring and late fall. Hot, dry conditions normally inhibit
riding from mid-July through September. In extreme fire conditions,
the trails may be closed to public use. Individual trails may also
be temporarily closed for maintenance or reconstruction, or to provide
resource protection.
These trails and facilities are being developed and maintained
for your enjoyment through a cooperative effort by the Forest Service,
Bureau of Land Management, Oregon ATV Fund, Central Oregon Motorcycle
and ATV Club, and many other volunteers. Maps were printed
with funds provided by the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America
and the Motorcycle Industry Council.
How To Get There
From Madras: Drive South on Highway 97 for 13.0 miles. Turn
left on Norris Lane and travel east for 2.3 miles. Or drive south
on Highway 97 for 14.9 miles. Turn left on Park Lane and travel
east for 2.3 miles
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
- OHV Specialist -- Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District, 1230
NE 3rd St., Suite A-262, Bend, OR, 97701, (541) 383-4004
- District Ranger -- Crooked River National Grassland,
813 SW Hwy. 97, Madras, OR, 97741, (541) 416-6640
Maps, Signs, and Photos
Camping
Dispersed sites make up the majority of the camping opportunities
at Henderson Flat. The staging area is small and will not accommodate
many large vehicles. However, the dispersed camping areas provide
ample room for large groups, motor homes and fifth wheel trailers.
Reaching the Henderson Flat camping areas does require driving over
gravel roads. For the most part they are well maintained and suitable
for motor homes and fifth wheels. The site is primitive and has
no water or garbage collection. Please pack your trash out! There
is a vault toilet located at the staging area and an information
kiosk and maps available there as well. Haystack Reservoir is the
closest developed campground with water and toilets.
Fire
Campfires are permitted, but please keep them small and don't leave
them unattended. 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 Prineville Ranger
District office or watch for regulations posted at trailheads, staging
areas and major access roads.
Safety
The Henderson Flat 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. Most Forest Service
and Grassland personnel have radios and can give assistance.
All trails at Henderson Flat 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 and 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 at Henderson Flat are a mix of clay, sand and decomposed
rock. During the dry season, some of the soils become very soft
and can be easily displaced and impacted. During the wet season,
the clay soils first become slippery and then turn into deep gumbo
mud. In this state, they can become heavily impacted and rutted
by an irresponsible rider. To help protect the soils, the trails
are closed from December 1 through March 31. During
the open season, please stay on the designated routes and areas.
As always, TREAD Lightly!
Plants
Plant life in the National Grassland is sparse and fragile which
makes its role in the ecosystem even more critical. Not only do
plants dazzle us with delicate beauty, they also help stabilize
the soil, provide needed nutrients, retain moisture, and provide
food and shelter for all forms of wildlife. Some of the plants are
listed as Sensitive Species and are mandated to be protected. 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 Henderson Flat. 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.
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