Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

The Siuslaw National Forest is home to two popular Off- Highway Vehicle Riding areas: Sand Lake Recreation Area and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Both the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area have campgrounds and staging areas especially well suited for OHV use.

Rules for Riding OHV (Off Highway Vehicles)

Know the regulations before you arrive – it’s your responsibility. You can find information, including all the Rules for Riding, lists of OHV permit vendors, and vehicle class definitions on the Oregon State Parks website or by calling Oregon Parks and Recreation Department information center at 1.800.551.6949. Oregon requires safety education for people operating ATVs on public land.

The State of Oregon establishes and administers OHV permits and regulations. State, County and Forest Service law enforcement personnel patrol both the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Sand Lake Recreation Area on a regular basis.

Possession of alcohol is prohibited in Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding areas outside of developed sites. Spark arresters are part of the muffler system and are required nation-wide on National Forest lands.

Off Highway Vehicle Permits

An OHV permit issued by the State of Oregon is required if you want to operate your motorized on public land and even then, the land must be specifically designated for OHV use.

Wondering if your off road vehicle permit from another state is valid in Oregon? See "Permits from Other States" information on the Oregon State Parks website for a list of states that have reciprocity with Oregon.

Remember! In addition to the OHV permit issued by the State of Oregon for your vehicle, the Siuslaw National Forest also requires recreation permits for most campgrounds and day use staging areas. Check the specific area where you will be riding for details.

Curfew and Portable Toilet Requirements for Sand Lake Recreation Area

There is an OHV riding curfew at the Sand Lake Recreation Area between midnight and 6:00 AM. No off road riding is allowed between those hours except when establishing or vacating a dispersed campsite.
Campers in dispersed areas of the Sand Lake Recreation Area must have and use a portable toilet.

Sound Levels

Increased OHV use and the popularity of aftermarket mufflers means more noise. Noise buffers are located between residential and recreational riding areas, and are closed to motorized travel. Vehicle sound is measured by a decibel meter positioned 20 inches and 45 degrees from the exhaust outlet. Have your vehicle checked! Forest personnel are equipped to provide sound checks. Vehicles operating over the decibel limit are subject to citation

Decibel limit for Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is 93 decibels.
Decibel limit for Sand Lake Recreation area is 97 decibels.

Some of the most common infractions on the open sand are:

Under age 16 riding without supervision
Under age 18 without helmet (with chinstrap)
No OHV decal on truck, car, motorhome. Red or Orange Flags (8”x 12”) must be displayed 9 feet above the ground on all vehicles
No fire extinguisher on truck, car, motorhome
Mufflers above the 97 decibel range (Sand Lake Recreation Area). Mufflers above the 93 decibel range (Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area)
Lights must be used in limited visibility (before sunrise, after sunset, or when you cannot see clearly ahead for 100 feet).

OHV Trail Riding

About half of the area that comprises the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and all of the Sand Lake Recreation Area are open to motorized vehicles. However, it is just as important to know where you can't ride. Please refer to the maps in each section for riding area information. Also, be sure to check our Motor Vehicle Use Map to see where you can drive motorized vehicles, including OHVs in the forest.

When traveling on the Siuslaw National Forest, it is the operator’s responsibility to use a current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) that shows the National Forest System roads, trails, and the areas designated for motor vehicle use. By your participation, you voluntarily assume full responsibility for damages, risks, and dangers.

OHV Open Area Riding

Access to open riding areas in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area is provided both from OHV Day Use Staging Areas as well as some OHV Campgrounds.

OHV Camping

OHV Campgrounds: Both the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area have campgrounds and staging areas especially well suited for OHV use.

OHV Sand Camping: Sand camping is allowed in areas at Sand Lake Recreation Area and at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Each area has different regulations as to where you can camp.