OHV Rules

OHV rules vary by agency and area. Please only ride on roads open to your class of vehicle, avoid wet or muddy areas, stay on trails and do not cut switchbacks. Don’t foget to pack out your trash. Motorized trails are also open to non-motorized users - yield right-of-way to other trail users, particular horses, which can be spooked.

WDNR

Stay on designated roads and trails and ride only on trails designated for your type of vehicle. Road status can change at any time: respected gates and closure signs. Never ride an ATV with passengers unless it is certified for two riders. Working and approved spark arresters are required on motorcyles and ATVs. Children 13 and up may operate ORVs on non-highway roads if they are directly supervised by someone 18 or older with a license. DOT approved helmets required.

USFS

The USFS rules emphasizing staying on open forest roads, protecting the environment and riding safely and in control.

Northwest Portal has worked to incorporate the USFS motorized data from the MVUM (motor vehicle usage maps) maps that have been prepared for all National Forests in Washington State except for Okanogan-Wenatchee. However, those maps are the final authority on which roads and trails are open to motorized use. Data is updated monthly to reflect seasons road and trail closures.

WDFW

All types of OHVs can use the Green Dot road system that crosses WDFW and WNDR lands in Yakima and Kittitas County. Any roads not designated as a Green Dot or public access road are off-limits to motor vehicles. Wildlife areas may be subject to seasonal closures. Please respect others and avoid driving on wet, soft roads in an effort to reduce damage.

WATV Rules:

Street legal ATVs (known as WATVs) that meet certain requirements and have been issued “ON ROAD” tabs for their green restricted license plates can operate on some “unincorporated” county roads and specifically designated city roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less in Washington State. Authorization is granted by individual counties and cities. For more information on the WATV program WOHVA and UTV Adventures both have pages devoted to this topic.

Northwest Portal has worked with counties around the state to map roads that are open to WATVs. Even where mapped by Northwest Portal, WATVs are only allowed on roads with a posted speed of 35mp or less. County roads open to WATVs are identified on the map as are cities that allow WATVs on their roads. Click on any road or city to get a link to the WATV ordinance.