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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.
Subpart A: Administration of the Forest Transportation System
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. A copy of the most recent Forest-wide Travel Analysis Report for the Colville National Forest can be found on our land and resource management webpage
Subpart B: Designation of Roads, Trails, and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use
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 premise of the rule is that roads, trails, and areas are closed to motor vehicle use unless designated as open on the 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. For example, the South End Motorized Recreation Management Project and its 2014 decision has improved the system of designated routes for motor vehicle use, managed dispersed camping sites, and rehabilitated resource damage linked to motor vehicle use. Other 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.
Subpart C: Use by Over-Snow Vehicles (OSV)
(revised in February 2015) 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.
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.
**The pdf files below require Adobe Acrobat. They are large files that may take some time to access depending upon what type of internet connection you have. We apologize for this inconvenience.
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.
Please select from the following options to learn more.
Operator Responsibilities
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 this map 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 this map, as well as all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Compliance with these rules is your responsibility.
Prohibitions
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.
This map 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.
Parking statement
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.
Legend
Symbol
Meaning
Explanation
Roads Open to Highway Legal Vehicles Only
These roads are open only to motor vehicles licensed under State law for general operation on all public roads within the state.
Roads Open to All Vehicles
These roads are open to all motor vehicles, including smaller off-highway vehicles that may not be licensed for highway use (but not to oversize or overweight vehicles under State traffic law).
Trails Open to All Vehicles
These trails are open to all motor vehicles, including both highway legal and nonhighway legal vehicles
Trails Open to Vehicles 50 inches or Less in Width
Trails open only to motor vehicles less than 50 inches in width at the widest point on the vehicle.
Trails Open to Motorcycles Only
These trails are open only to motorcycles. Sidecars are not permitted.
Special Vehicle Designation
This symbol indicates the road or trail is open to classes of vehicles other than those listed above. Refer to the Seasonal and Special Designation Table for further instructions.
Seasonal Designation
This symbol, used in conjunction with one of the other road or trail symbols, indicates that the road or trail is open only during certain portions of the year. Refer to Seasonal and Special Designation Table for further instructions.
Dispersed Camping/Game Retrieval:
The following 3 symbols are used along with a designated road or trail to indicate limited cross-country motor vehicle use within a specific distance of that route, solely for the purpose of dispersed camping and/or game retrieval. The dots indicate where this activity is permitted. They may be on the left, right, or both sides of the route. Refer to the Dispersed Camping/Game Retrieval Table for specifics.
Dispersed Camping/Game Retrieval, Both Sides
Dispersed Camping/Game Retrieval, Left Side
Dispersed Camping/Game Retrieval, Right Side
Other Public Roads and Trails:
The following 4 symbols are used to show routes the Forest Service does not have jurisdiction over and has not designated for motorized use. These symbols are part of the reference layers showing connections to towns and cities outside the forest boundary.
Interstate
Highways, US, State, County
Other Public Roads
Other Public Trails
Short Route Identifier
This symbol is used for roads that are too short to show a symbol type on the map. The symbol contains the number of the road or trail. Users should refer to the corresponding number in the Short Route Table for designation information.
Milepost Marker
This symbol is used to display the beginning and ending mileposts of a road that has a change in the designation but not the symbology.
Areas Open to Cross Country Travel
These are areas on National Forest System land that allow cross-country travel by motorized vehicles. Specific vehicle classes and seasonal designations may be indicated in the Seasonal and Special Designation Table.
FS Campground
Picnic Area
Motorized Trailhead
This symbol indicates a trailhead for access to a motorized route. Not all motorized routes have trailheads and those that do may range from primitive to developed.
Information Site
Peaks
Forest or Unit Boundary
National Forest System Lands
Non-National Forest System Lands within the National Forest
If you have a mobile device such as an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, or Microsoft mobile device, you can take the Colville National Forest MVUMs with you.
2. 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.
Subpart A: Administration of the Forest Transportation System
Subpart B: Designation of Roads, Trails, and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use
