Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

COHVOPS

Welcome! to the Crooked River N.G.'s Henderson Flat OHV Trail System

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

• Trail Maps
  • Small Map - 120 K jpg file - 8.5" x 11"
  • Large Map - 465 K pdf file
• Henderson Flat Signing
• Henderson Flat 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.

• 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.