Trail Overview
Cub Creek is a scenic, multi-use route perfect for offroaders of all skill levels, offering a well-maintained connection between the historic mining town of Sumpter and the scenic North Fork of the Burnt River. Ideal for ATVs, SxSs, and dirt bikes during the warmer months, this route features a primarily groomed gravel surface with a gentle gradient, making it accessible to stock high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles as well. The route winds through dense stands of ponderosa pines within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, offering glimpses of the rugged Blue Mountains. The easy-going terrain ensures a relaxed ride, allowing drivers to focus on the peaceful forest surroundings and potential wildlife sightings, including elk and deer.
Starting from the historic town of Sumpter, where riders can explore local gold mining history and the famous Sumpter Valley Dredge, the route heads southwest before climbing gradually into the mountains. In the winter, the trail transforms into a popular groomed snowmobile route, offering a completely different way to experience the snow-covered Oregon backcountry. Because the road is well-graded with minimal obstacles, it serves as an excellent connector to other forest service roads in the area, allowing riders to extend their adventure deeper into the wilderness. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and ATVs will have no trouble navigating this route, but visitors should always check local trail conditions and seasonal closures, particularly during the transition into winter when snow begins to accumulate.
Access Description
The route is located within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. All off-highway vehicles (OHVs), including ATVs and SxSs, must display a valid Oregon OHV permit. Winter snowmobile use requires proper state snowmobile registration. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles do not require permits beyond standard road-legal registration.