Six Rivers National Forest

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Off-Highway Vehicle Information

Your national forest has many diverse uses. If you hunt, fish, gather forest products, cut firewood, lease grazing rights or involve yourself in other forest activities, you may need to use an off-highway vehicle (OHV) from time to time. If this is the case, read the following commonly asked questions and answers.

What is an off-highway vehicle?

Any vehicle that is capable of traveling off a paved highway surface can be considered an OHV. Although automobiles can access fairly rugged terrain, generally OHV are thought of as pickups (two and four wheel drive), trail bikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), jeeps and snowmobiles. A rule of thumb to remember is that if you use a motorized vehicle off a paved highway, it can be considered an OHV.

But my vehicle has a license plate.

If your vehicle is "street legal" and carries a license plate, you have access to all open highways and roadways within the Forest. In addition, you may be able to use designated OHV routes (lower standard roads and trails) as well. Please read the brochure "Getting There and Back" for more specific information regarding your mode of travel.

OK, then what areas are open to OHV use?

Forest policy states that the use of OHV will be restricted to designated routes (roads and trails) only. There are no open areas in the Forest. For example: You are out hunting and using an ATV (or street legal 4WD...remember, if it's off the highway it's an OHV) on a designated route that runs through a grassy glade.

Are you allowed to drive your vehicle around the edge of the glade, off of the marked route?

The answer is no! You may get off or out of your vehicle and walk the edges, but you may not drive/ride any vehicle off the designated route. The same thing goes for firewood cutting or getting a Christmas tree. Your vehicle may not leave the route and travel cross country to get closer to your pile of wood or that perfect Christmas tree you just found.

Note: When camping, the vehicle may be taken off the route up to 100 feet, provided it does not cross a stream, wet meadow or otherwise fragile area.

If you have a vehicle which carries an off-highway registration/ commonly referred to as a "Greensticker", you are further restricted to Forest level 1 and 2 roads (identified by a vertical route marker) or designated trails. Cross country travel is again prohibited, unless you are operating an over-the-snow vehicle (OSV), in 12 or more inches of snow. Remember to TREAD LIGHTLY by traveling only where permitted!

Are all the designated routes open year long?

In order to protect certain resources (critical wildlife habitat, soils or vegetation), stop the spread of disease (Port-Orford cedar root disease), or to protect the route surface itself, you may find some temporary closures occurring at different times of the year. Routes which will be under restrictions will be either gated or marked with signs. We ask that you respect these closures and work with us to provide a quality forest environment for all to enjoy.

What about other applicable laws for OHV?

All non street-legal vehicles must have current off-highway registration and an approved spark arrester. In addition, if you operate and ATV there are other laws that apply to you. Please read the "All-Terrain Vehicle Use" handout. Some commonly asked questions concerning ATV are:

  • Do I have to wear a helmet?
    Yes, no exceptions, even when hunting!

  • May I carry a passenger?
    No, they are not designated for passengers and it will adversely affect the handling of the vehicle.

  • Can I use my
    Not if you must travel off OHV to a designated route. Please retrieve game? pack it out.

We want you to have a quality experience in your national forest. Please take the time to read the accompanying information and remember to check with your local Forest Service office for additional regulations or information.

Additional publications relating to the use of OHV are available in forest offices:

  • All-Terrain Vehicle Use
  • Trail mix - OHV Recreation, California State Parks
  • Right Rider - 4 part series on trail etiquette, wetlands, wildlife and noise
  • Getting There and Back - Driving tips for Forest Service Roads
  • Port-Orford Cedar Root Disease
  • Reporting Motorized Route Conditions
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