Motor Vehicle Use Maps
How do I print the MVUM?
The Olympic National Forest MVUM can be printed on 8 ½" x 11" paper using home printers. With Adobe Acrobat, you can print either the whole atlas by using the “Print All” function or use the “Pages” function to print the pages you need. The Coversheet, Purpose and Content, Seasonal and Special Vehicle Designation Table, Dispersed Camping Table; and Map Index pages must printed along with the township and range index map you are traveling to, if you are printing just a certain map page.
What does a MVUM show me?
- All National Forest System roads, trails and designated areas allowing public motor vehicle use.
- Motorized use includes but is not limited to motorcycles and any highway-legal vehicles both 2 and 4-wheel drive vehicles.
- Designation details, including vehicle class, time of year, and any motorized access for the purpose of dispersed camping (camping in locations other than campgrounds).
- Roads where only highway-legal vehicles are allowed due to safety considerations.
- Motor vehicle access may occur on routes not shown on the MVUM for the purpose of limited administrative access by Forest Service personnel; for fire and law enforcement for emergency purposes and; by persons authorized by a written special use permit or contract from the Forest Service.
Does the MVUM also show mechanized and non-motorized trails and over-snow vehicle uses?
No, a visitor use map or recreation opportunity map will provide information on motorized routes as well as non-motorized routes, including mechanized trails, hiking, and horse trails. Over-snow vehicle use is exempted from designations on the MVUM. These maps, once developed, will be available for purchase at FS offices.
What do you mean by vehicle class?
- Vehicle class refers to certain categories of motorized vehicles. The following are typical vehicle class route designations:
- Roads open to highway legal vehicles only (licensed)
- Trails open to motorcycles only (single track)
- It's important to understand that routes and areas shown open to certain vehicle classes do not mean they are maintained for or suitable for travel using those vehicles. It simply means it is legal to use them. For example, many low standard roads may be open to all motor vehicles. This designation includes passenger cars, although it may not be prudent to drive this type of vehicle on the route due to the condition of the surface or during inclement weather. Please check with the local Ranger District Offices for more information. Phone numbers, addresses and email addresses are at Olympic National Forest Contact Information.
Can I drive my car on that road?
The Olympic National Forest has a majority of maintenance level 2 roads by mileage with most visitors travelling on maintenance level 3 roads and a portion of level 2 roads.
Level 2 roads require a high clearance vehicle, allow for potholes and slumps, and can have single lane areas. Level 3 roads are suitable for passenger cars but do not consider passenger comfort. Potholes are acceptable at maintenance level 3 as well. This means driving will not be as comfortable as your typical driving experience while on the national forest. Drivers should be prudent and have high awareness.
Winter and spring weather can bring high winds and large amounts of rain to the Olympic Peninsula and the Olympic National Forest. Use caution on Forest Service Roads and trails as branches, trees, rocks, slumps, or other debris may have fallen. Snow and ice may be present at higher elevations. Forest roads are not maintained for winter travel and do not receive snow removal
What do you mean by a season allowance?
Some routes or areas may be open only during certain times of the year for various reasons such as to reduce wildlife disturbance, protect users from unsafe or impassable conditions and to reduce impacts to other resource values.
Are there road and trail route marker signs on the ground?
Routes designated for motorized use may not always be signed. In some cases, a route marker may exist at the entrance of the road or trail with symbols indicating which classes of vehicles are allowed. Routes designated for motorized uses will be identified on the MVUM. The MVUM is an enforcement tool to ensure individuals are on the correct route. It is the responsibility of the user to determine if they are on a route designated for the motor vehicle being used. MVUM will be developed for each forest nationwide. It is not only a tool for motorized users, but also a consistent and standardized law enforcement tool.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) shows the roads, trails and areas where you can take your Off Highway Vehicle. 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 2 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. The map is black and white with no topographic features. The MVUM which displays appropriate use for each road should be used in conjunction with the forest visitor or district maps.
Background Information
The MVUM map is a result of the 2005 National Travel Management Rule requiring each national forest to create a safe and sustainable road system providing access while protecting natural resources.