Beginner Off-Road Trails Near John Day, Oregon

This route is a well maintained gravel road that accesses High Lake, as well as Indian Springs and the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. Much of the route was burned years ago and has dangerous standing trees…
Learn more about High Lake Road

This scenic nearly nineteen mile route climbs to an elevation of 6,436 feet above sea level. And, as you probably know that translates to incredible views. To the south a valley that cradles the middle…
Learn more about Jump Off Joe

This route climbs to the northwest from the Middle Fork of Oregon's John Day River. Along the way, you'll encounter a handful of beautiful wild camp spots often used by local hunters. As the road…
Learn more about MRS RD 4550000

This routes visits the unique Myrtle Park Ice Cave and ends at a scenic overlook. Deep in the forest, this is a remote and little known location, even to locals. In the late spring there…
Learn more about Myrtle Park Ice Cave

This trail goes through an old-growth ponderosa pine forest above the Silvies River, near the small town of Burns. Between the river and the road are some high rimrocks, which make up the cliffs and…
Learn more about Lost Creek

This is a well-maintained snowmobile and ATV trail from the North Fork of the Burnt River to Sumpter, Oregon.
Learn more about Cub Creek

This is a rugged but short trail that accesses 37 Spring. This area is a beautiful old growth Ponderosa Pine forest with park- like clearings with all of the solitude you need. The area is…
Learn more about 37 Spring Trail

Starting out on the Frazier Campground side, enjoy a nice mix of rocky shale, flowing dirt, and technical hill climbs perfect for a good long family ride. As you wrap around the west side of…
Learn more about Winom/Frazier OHV Loop

This trail is near Penland Lake. Travel around the area with views through the blue mountains. Most of the trip is maintained forests service roads. There is the opportunity for some off-road trails and more…
Learn more about Grease Monkey James

The railbed riot is a scenic UTV trail that winds through rugged forest service roads, alpine meadows, and dense pine forests. This approximately 20-mile trail provides riders with breathtaking mountain views, opportunities to spot big…
Learn more about Railbed Riot

This trail passes through many high-desert landscapes such as sagebrush, mountain mahogany slopes, and ponderosa pine forests. The road surface is variable between decent gravel and deeply rutted 2-track, with some areas having recently been…
Learn more about Skull Creek to Horton Mill Connector

This route transports travelers from Highway 26 north of Prineville Oregon into the middle of the Ochoco National Forest. Along the way you'll find yourself navigating well-groomed forest service roads, fairly narrow and rocky road…
Learn more about Summit Road NF2630

This road travels mostly over bright red cinder cobbles through a large burned area from fires in 1990 and 2007. The area offers an interesting look at how Ponderosa pine forests recover after a large…
Learn more about Recovery Ridge

This short and easy route connects the small town of Sumpter to Marble Creek Pass. The forest service roads that comprise this track are well maintained and easy to navigate. Along the way you'll meander…
Learn more about Marble Creek Pass to Sumpter

This trail is easy and short. It is the closest and most easily accessible fire lookout from the town of Burns. The trail is dirt, with no difficult obstacles beyond some very deep ruts and…
Learn more about Bald Butte Lookout

Marble Creek Pass is in the Elkhorn Mountain range west of Baker City in eastern Oregon. Marble Creek Road out of Baker City becomes forest road NF6510 (Marble Creek Pass Rd). It's approximately 9 miles…
Learn more about Marble Creek Pass

This trail is a unique way to access the Malheur National Forest near Riley, Oregon. The route follows Miller Canyon and has been used for around 100 years or more. There was a fire in…
Learn more about Miller Canyon

Trail starts with a long dirt road through the farmland of Paulina Valley, then starts to climb into forest after a creek crossing. The trail can be rocky with some ruts, mud puddles in spring…
Learn more about Paulina Valley Rd / 4200 / 4250 / 1200

This is a road up a rocky ridge from the valley. You will see blue mountains with views into the valleys below. The road can be challenging as it is rough and rocky. It has…
Learn more about Rock the Ridge

Ladd Canyon Sno-Park Trail. This mountain trail begins at the Sno-Park in Ladd Canyon and mostly follows Forest Service roads, making it an easy and accessible route. It's perfect for a day trip--whether you're heading…
Learn more about Elk Mountain Loop

This maintained gravel road will take you through part of the John Day Fossil Beds and Painted Hills National Monument. You can access the Painted Hills Overlook from this trail, which has several hiking trails…
Learn more about Bear Creek Road (Painted Hills Trail)

This dirt road takes you through the basaltic lava flows and cinder cones formed sometime in the last 25,000 years. There are many side roads out to specific craters and it looks like there are…
Learn more about Diamond Craters Auto Tour Route

This route takes you deep into the Steens Mountains to a nice viewing area. The road is easy when dry and extremely difficult when wet as evidenced by the large ruts from people getting stuck…
Learn more about Kiger Mustang Viewing Area Road

This is a quick out-and-back trail, and though it may be short, the views are absolutely stunning, even on a cloudy day. The trail is straightforward aside from 1 or 2 slightly washboarded areas. There…
Learn more about Painted Cove Nature Trail Access

This is a 5-mile loop on state land. If the gates are closed, close them behind you, otherwise you can leave them open. The trail is rutted year-round in most places. It is muddy, with…
Learn more about Virginia valley cinder pile

This trail is an easy dirt road with a small amount of pavement. It has some good camping spots and goes by several old mining remains as well as an old abandoned house. Some are…
Learn more about Mining Trail

Riddle Mountain Trail reaches the top of Mountain at the BLM fire lookout. The trail crosses public land for much of the route. Please treat the private land sections with care and leave every gate…
Learn more about Riddle Mountain

This track takes you up to Moon Hill as the high point and creates a loop that is open year-round. (Some of the Steens Mountains are behind a locked gate some of the year) The…
Learn more about Moon Hill to Dust Bowl Road

Beautiful, lightly trafficked area in the Ochocos full of wildlife and providing great views. There is plenty of dispersed camping and some fun creeks to play in. Great wildflowers. Be aware of free range cattle…
Learn more about Wild Cattle Trail

This remote section of two tracks through the Northern Steens takes you past several old settlement cabins and along a section of the lesser traveled optional Oregon BDR route loop. The trail is beautiful and…
Learn more about Virginia Valley to Stone House Road (Oregon BDR)