Welcome back to our fifth post featuring the top trails and OHV parks across America! Today, we’re featuring a few really fun 4×4 Oregon trails. Last time, we highlighted trails and areas to explore in Washington.
When it comes to off-roading in the PNW, Oregon offers a treasure trove of exciting destinations. From the lush coastal forests to the rugged mountains, and even the unique desert landscapes in the east, Oregon has something to satisfy the adventurous spirit in all of us.
Let’s dive into some fan-favorite spots!
Note: The builds listed below are in no particular order.
Table Of Contents
1. Sand Lake Recreational Area OHV – Pacific City
Submission By: Evan (@4runnerfit)
Tell Us About Your Favorite Spot
Sand Lake OHV is exactly that! It’s a large section of dunes with some trails leading through the trees and “the bowl”, which as the name implies, is a very deep bowl in the sand with steep climbs to get out. It’s super fun to go through with the 4Runner.
Did I mention this is right on the Pacific Ocean? After playing the dunes take a drive down on the beach and hang out. Another great thing about the Sand Lake OHV is there is also some dispersed camping. So, if you’re heading to the dunes, you could also stay the night.
What Would You Rate This Spot?
I would rate this a 1/10. It’s all fun in the dunes and it’s not very technical at all. If you have 4WD, you can make it out and have a good time. I would just say to bring proper gear just in case you get stuck in the sand.
2. Oregon BDR Section 5 – Detroit
Submission By: Nathen (@nathen.zb)
Tell Us About Your Favorite Spot
Section 5 of the Oregon BDR is just absolutely beautiful. There is stunning scenery, massive trees, and the remoteness of the area makes for peaceful camping spots. The Willamette National Forest has so many trails that spit off the main BDR route so finding camp or a lunch spot is super easy. You’ll also see some beautiful lakes and dense forests.
What Would You Rate This Spot?
I would rate this trail a 3/10. Any stock 4×4 could do the main route, but it is to be noted that the area is very wet, with lots of mud, so I’d recommend a good set of all-terrains if not mud-terrains. There are some sections of the trail that will pinstripe your truck as many of the people that travel the BDR are adventure motorcycles and thus, the trails are trimmed for them.
3. Tillamook State Forest – Tillamook
Submission By: Khae (@saechao503)
Tell Us About Your Favorite Spot
Tillamook State Forest is hands down one of my favorite places to go off-roading in Oregon. What’s not to love about it? It’s massive, covering over 360,000 acres, which means there’s always a new trail or a hidden gem to explore. And you can’t forget about all the places to go camping in.
The forest offers such a diverse range of terrains, from lush forests to wide-open meadows, and some challenging inclines, making it an off-roader’s dream come true.
What Would You Rate This Spot?
One of the best things about Tillamook is the variety of trails it offers, catering to all skill levels. If you’re just starting out or prefer a more relaxed ride, you can follow the power line trails, which are as easy as they come. But, if you’re up for a real adventure, there are some seriously challenging trails with steep rock climbs and muddy hills.
It’s this mix of trail difficulties that makes Tillamook State Forest perfect for everyone. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned offroading pro, you’re bound to have a blast here.
4. Eastern Alvord Desert Plateau – Basque
Submission By: Ross (@fourdustyrims)
Tell Us About Your Favorite Spot
I absolutely love offroading in Eastern Oregon, especially in the desert areas. It’s like stepping into a completely different world compared to the rest of the state. The contrast in landscapes and terrain is simply mind-blowing. The desert offers such a unique and somewhat surreal experience, making it my top pick!
What Would You Rate This Spot?
In terms of difficulty, I’d rate this area around a 4/10. These trails can be quite manageable for most. However, there are some sections with serious ruts that require careful navigation. The dust, especially in the drier seasons, can be a bit annoying, but it comes with the territory.
5. Browns Camp OHV – Tillamook
Submission By: Jack (@ruined.t4r)
Tell Us About Your Favorite Spot
Browns Camp OHV is easily accessible since it’s not too far from town. It has 145 off-road trails ranging from easy to very difficult. You’ll also see that there is both paid and free dispersed camping available if you are looking to stay the night.
You can’t go wrong with a weekend trip to Browns – riding, crawling, and enjoying the beautiful views with good company.
What Would You Rate This Spot?
Browns has a mix of all trails from easy for beginners to very difficult for experts. There is a little of something for everyone to enjoy. The weather plays a huge part in how difficult the trails can be. This can make the area especially challenging when it rains 8-9 months out of the year and snows 3-4 months during the winter.
6. Leslie Gulch Road – Jordan Valley
Submission By: Editors Submission
Tell Us About This Spot
The Leslie Gulch Road, winds through a rocky canyon, presenting a dynamic landscape that changes around every corner. It’s a mesmerizing journey where you’ll find yourself compelled to stop every few hundred feet, to take in the breathtaking views all around.
While the trail itself isn’t too challenging, you’ll find yourself traversing across miles of rocky paths and desert landscapes. Thankfully there are so many areas that you can head off and explore for the day or set up camp in. And because it is such a massive area that doesn’t see much traffic you’ll have the opportunity to explore this area and see what the hype around it is.
Each stop along the way offers a vista that seems straight out of a postcard, making Leslie Gulch a photographer’s paradise.
Final Thoughts
And that wraps up our Oregon off-road trail fan favorites!
It’s clear that the state is a haven for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Whether you favor the lush greenery or dusty trails of the desert, Oregon’s offroading scene never fails to impress.
So, gear up, choose your adventure, and explore the picturesque landscapes and thrilling trails that make the area some of the top off-roading in the PNW!
We would love to hear what other areas you like to explore in the area, so comment on your favorites below! If you want to be a part of a future trail guide post, make sure to submit your entry using the link above!
