Motor Vehicle Use Maps
Driving conditions on National Forest roads are much different than on city streets or state highways. Forest roads range from two-lane paved roads to dirt tracks winding through the brush. Most National Forest roads are single-lane, gravel, low-speed roads.
Some roads are closed to protect wildlife or because they are not safe for travel. You can find out about road closures by using a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and by calling the local ranger station.
The Siuslaw National Forest MVUMs show the roads, trails, and areas of the forest that are open to motorized vehicles, as well as any seasonal restrictions applied to those routes and areas.
MVUMs also identify what vehicle classes (highway-legal vehicles and off-highway vehicles) are allowed on routes and in riding areas, where dispersed camping is permitted, as well as general travel rules and regulations. Routes not shown on the MVUM are not open to motor vehicle travel. Routes designated for motorized use may not always be signed on the ground, but will be identified on the MVUM.
When traveling on the Siuslaw National Forest, it is the operator’s responsibility to drive cautiously and use a current MVUM showing National Forest System roads, trails, and areas designated for motor vehicle use. Maintenance of designated roads and trails will depend on available resources and many may receive little maintenance. By your participation, you voluntarily assume full responsibility for damages, risks, and dangers.
MVUMs are updated annually. The map is a black and white map with no topographic features. It is best used in conjunction with a Forest Visitor Use Map, Ranger District Map, or other topographic map.
Where can I get the maps?
Paper MVUM maps are available for free at Siuslaw National Forest offices.
Geospatially enabled PDF (geoPDF) maps are available for download below. When you open a geoPDF, you will see your location in real-time, can find locations using geographic coordinates, measure distances, and add location markers. You can also copy coordinates to the clipboard for use with a web mapping service.
To use a geoPDF on your computer you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, which can be downloaded for free. Once the map is open in Acrobat Reader DC you can view the geospatial measuring tools by choosing Tools > Measure.
You can also view these maps on any GPS-enabled mobile device using an app such as Avenza Maps (we recommend carrying a paper map as backup). PDF Maps enables you to download maps for offline use on your Apple iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. Use your device's built-in GPS to track your location on the map. You can also plot and record information about locations, import and export placemarks, measure distance and area, and even plot photos.
In order to use the MVUM PDFs you will need to use an overview locator map (p. 6 of each MVUM) to determine which map page you want to look at. Locator maps divide the MVUMs into a grid using Township and Range, which is a system used by cartographers and land surveyors to organize maps. Find the area on the locator map you’re interested in and note the township and range (indicated by an alphanumeric label, such as T2S R11W) then find the corresponding map in the MVUM.
District Motor Vehicle Use Maps (PDF Download)
- Hebo Ranger District
- North Central Coast Ranger District - Newport, Oregon to Florence, Oregon
- South Central Coast Ranger District - Florence, Oregon to Coos Bay, Oregon
District Motor Vehicle Use Maps (Avenza Maps)
Frequently Asked Questions
The MVUM can be printed on 8.5" 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 certain map page.
While most roads and trails on older MVUMs do not change, you should print off or pick up a copy of the latest MVUMs to ensure you have the most up-to-date version of the map and don’t inadvertently use a road or trail that is no longer open for motorized use.
No, the Forest Visitor Map shows non-motorized routes, including mechanized (e.g., mountain bike) trails, hiking, and horse trails. Visitor Maps are available for purchase at Forest Service offices.
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)
Roads and trails open to all motor vehicles, including unlicensed non-highway-legal vehicles such as quads, dirt bikes, sand rails, E-bikes, etc.
It's important to understand that routes and areas shown open to certain vehicle classes do not mean they are necessarily maintained for or suitable for travel using those vehicles. It simply means it is legal to use them. For example, many non-key (secondary) 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.
Electric bikes (E-bikes) are not allowed on trails designated for non-motorized use such as mountain bike or hiking trails. E-bikes are classified as self-propelled motor vehicles and are only allowed on roads or trails open to motorized vehicles.
Dispersed camping (camping outside developed campgrounds) with motor vehicles may occur only in those areas indicated on the MVUM. In such designated areas, motor vehicles may travel up to 150 feet off of the road to access and use established dispersed campsites.
Non-motorized dispersed camping may occur at any already established dispersed campsite unless it is posted as closed. All visitors are discouraged from creating new campsites and are encouraged to use ones that already exists.
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.