The Old Western Route - FS 21

The Old Western Route is a 13.9-mile point-to-point gravel road connecting the west end of Wheeler Point with the Heppner-Spray Highway. Although the road appears to continue west to the town of Fossil, a private gate is located several hundred yards west of this route's western end. The road surface is wide, smooth, and well-maintained, offering a quick route from the highway into the Umatilla National Forest. Starting from the west end, the road climbs to a high ridgeline and follows that ridgeline to the intersection with the Heppner-Spray Highway. The Old Western Route is accessible year-round, and all OHVs (non-street legal) require an Oregon Parks ATV permit.