Motor Vehicle Use on the Colville National Forest
Motor vehicle use on National Forest System (NFS) land is managed under a framework of regulations commonly referred to as travel management. The goal of the Colville National Forest’s travel management process is to create a safe and sustainable road and trail system that provides recreational opportunities and appropriate access while protecting forest resources.
In 2005, after much study and public input the Forest Service published the Travel Management Rule (TMR), Title 36 Parts 212, 251, 261, and 295 of the Code of Federal Regulations; its goal was to regulate the use of motor vehicles on National Forest System lands while managing the transportation system to balance social, economic, and ecological conditions. The TMR is comprised of three main sections which are identified as Subparts A, B, and C.
Travel Management Rule Subparts
Requires National Forests to identify the most ecologically, economically and socially sustainable transportation system. This is accomplished at both the forest-wide scale and the project level by using a process known as travel analysis. Travel Analysis Reports are used to inform decisions regarding roads.
Requires National Forests to designate a system of roads, trails, and areas that are open to motor vehicle use for both off-highway and highway-legal vehicles on a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). The Colville National Forest began a collaborative process of designating roads and trails open to motor vehicle use in 2005 and continues to modify its MVUM annually to reflect decisions that have been made regarding the transportation system and its uses. Projects tied to restoration and vegetation management objectives often make decisions regarding roads which are in turn reflected on the MVUM. These decisions are informed by public involvement at the project level.
Addresses over-snow motorized use of trails, roads and areas on NFS lands and requires the agency to designate routes and areas where OSV use is permitted on an OSV Use Map. Although the Colville National Forest does not currently publish an OSV Use Map, there are many roads and areas that are open to OSV use along with several routes that are groomed for such uses. Several management areas under the current Forest Plan are closed to OSV use: Wilderness, Recommended Wilderness, Research Natural Areas, or Backcountry Management Areas.
Current Motor Vehicle Use Maps
Guide to the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) on National Forests in Washington and Oregon
Off-Highway Vehicle Use (OHV) on National Forest in Washington and Oregon
The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows National Forest System roads, trails, and areas that are designated as open to motor vehicle travel. These roads, trails, and areas are designated by type of motor vehicle allowed and the allowable season of use.
For example, on National Forest System Roads that allow motor vehicle use, the two primary designations are Roads Open to Highway Legal Vehicles Only and Roads Open to All Vehicles.
Some examples of the vehicle types that are highway legal are passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles that by state law are licensed for general operation on all public roads within the state.
Some examples of vehicles that are not highway legal include ATVs, UTVs (side by sides), off-road motorcycles, golf carts, and any other motor vehicle that by state law is not licensed for general operation on all public roads in the state.
A road that is designated as open to all motor vehicles allows any motor vehicle both licensed and unlicensed for general operation on all public roads in the state which would include all Off-Highway Vehicles.
Refer to the appropriate Motor Vehicle Use Map to determine the allowed motor vehicle use for a specific National Forest System road, trail, or area. Designations are revised periodically, so please check this website or with your local Forest Service office to ensure you have the most current MVUM.
- 2025 MVUM - Northeast of the Forest (PDF)
- 2025 MVUM - Northwest of the Forest (PDF)
- 2025 MVUM - Southeast of the Forest (PDF)
- 2025 MVUM - Southwest of the Forest (PDF)
- Seasonal and Special Designation Tables for Roads (PDF 1.25 MB)
- Tonasket Travel Plan Map (PDF - 593 kb)
- Tonasket OHV Map Conconully (PDF - 576 kb)
- Tonasket OHV Map Bannon Mtn (PDF - 308 kb)
- Tonasket OHV Map Mt Hull (PDF - 325 kb)
About the MVUMs
- The MVUMs implement the 2005 Travel Management Rule and are tied to a National regulation (CFR §261.13) that restricts motor vehicle use to roads, trails, and areas designated on the MVUMs.
- Travel management is an ongoing process and designations may change on an annual basis. Check this webpage or your local Forest Service office to ensure you have the most current MVUM.
- State laws regarding motor vehicle use such as age, safety equipment, and licensing requirements, apply on National Forest System roads. Vehicle operators should familiarize themselves with Chapter 46.09 Revised Code of Washington (RCW); OFF-ROAD, NONHIGHWAY, AND WHEELED ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES
- Washington State Law defines a Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicle (WATV) as any motorized non-highway vehicle that meets the requirements to be licensed with a metal tag. WATVs are not considered highway-legal vehicles by Federal standards; therefore, they cannot be operated on roads designated as open to highway-legal vehicles only.
- Counties have rules, regulations, and restrictions for motor vehicle use (including OHVs) on County roads. Please contact the appropriate County for more information.
Motor vehicle use, especially off-highway vehicle use, involves inherent risks that may cause property damage, serious injury, and possibly death to participants. Drive cautiously and anticipate rough surfaces and features, such as snow, mud, vegetation, and water crossings common to remote driving conditions. By your participation, you voluntarily assume full responsibility for these damages, risks, and dangers. Take care at all times to protect yourself and those under your responsibility.
Much of the area is remote. Medical assistance may not be readily available. Cellular telephones do not work in many areas of the forest. Take adequate food, water, first-aid supplies, and other equipment appropriate for the conditions and expected weather.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO RESPECT PRIVATE LAND! PROTECT YOUR PRIVILEGE. STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS AND TRAILS AND IN DESIGNATED AREAS.
Read and understand the MVUM in its entirety. If you have questions, please contact the forest for clarification.
As a motor vehicle operator on a National Forest System road, trail, or area you must comply with the MVUM, as well as all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Compliance with these rules is your responsibility.
It is prohibited to possess or operate a motor vehicle on National Forest System lands on the unit other than in accordance with these designations (36 CFR 261.13).
Violators of 36 CFR 261.13 are subject to a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both (18 U.S.C. 3571(e)).This prohibition applies regardless of the presence or absence of signs.
The MVUM does not display non-motorized uses, over-snow vehicle uses, or other facilities and attractions on the forest. Obtain forest visitor information from the local national forest office.
Designated roads, trails and areas may also be subject to temporary, emergency closures. As a visitor, you must comply with signs notifying you of such restrictions. A national forest may issue an order to close a road, trail or area on a temporary basis to protect the life, health, or safety of forest visitors or the natural or cultural resources in these areas. Such a temporary and/or emergency closures are consistent with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212.52 (b), 36 CFR 261 subpart B).
The designation "road or trail open to all motor vehicles" does not supersede State traffic law.
Motor vehicles may be parked up to 30 feet from the edge of the road surface when it is safe to do so without causing damage to NFS resources or facilities, unless prohibited by state law, a traffic sign, or an order (36 CFR261.54).
There is no allowance for using motor vehicles off of designated roads and trails for retrieving game.
In some cases motor vehicle use is permitted up to 300’ from the centerline of designated routes to access dispersed (undeveloped) camping sites. This allowance is for dispersed camping only and is not available on every Forest, nor on every road. Check your MVUM carefully before setting out.
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) on Avenza
Using Avenza, you can take the Colville National Forest MVUMs with you!
Download the AvenzaMap App.
Once you have Avenza on your mobile device, use your device to download the maps. While running the app select 'Store', then ‘Find Maps’. You can then search for available maps by area or click on “Name, region or keyword” and search for “Colville National Forest - Motor Vehicle Use Map”. There are MVUM maps for Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest parts of the Colville National Forest; four maps in total. Please ensure to also download the Seasonal and Special Designation Table.
With the app and maps installed on your mobile device, you will be able to:
- View your location on the PDF maps using the built-in GPS device
- Measure distances and areas
- Plot waypoints
- View maps offline
Through a no-cost contract with Avenza Systems, Inc., the USDA Forest Service has made electronic versions of its Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) available as free downloads for smartphones and tablets.
Additional Information can be found here: National Travel Management Website