Oregon Off-Road Trails

Cedar Tree is an aptly named trail deep in the Tillamook State Forest, where the highlight is a huge fallen cedar trunk that vehicles used to be able to drive under. The iconic fallen cedar tree at Waypoint 7 is a favorite place for photographs of 4x4 rigs. The trail wanders through the forest's prettiest and most exciting sections along the cedar tree. A significant, deep depression is often filled with water and makes for an exciting challenge to cross. An ancient tree stump hides a shelf that can catch the unsuspecting driver by surprise. Cedar Tree is one of the highlights of Tillamook State Forest and should be one of your must-do trails while visiting the park. 

Barlow Trail begins at the edge of the prairies and oak scrublands of Central Oregon before heading into a dense forest of Ponderosa Pines. The pine trees give way to Douglas Firs, Western Larch, and other alpine species of fir, alders, and even a few aspen trees before reaching Barlow Pass on the crest of the Cascades. Anyone who played Oregon Trail or Oregon Trail 2 (popular educational video games in the late 80s and 90s) in grade school remembers the Barlow Road route to Oregon City and the promised land of the Willamette Valley. When the pioneers came to The Dalles, they either chose the water route down the rapids of the Columbia River long before the dams were built, or they turned south along the eastern flank of the Cascades to head over the mountains on the Barlow Road. Avid players of the Oregon Trail games most certainly remember the perils of going down the rapids where many lives were lost over the period of mass migration along the Oregon Trail. The Barlow Road route was not without its perils, especially early in the fall when snow storms could move in with little warning, covering the pass in a thick blanket of cold, wet snow. Many pioneers found it to be the most difficult 100-mile stretch of trail from Nebraska to Oregon. Construction of the Barlow Road was authorized in December 1845 by the Provisional Legislature of Oregon. Sam Barlow, who had scouted the route with a party of several wagons earlier in 1845, got to work in the spring of 1846 clearing timber and building the first crude track through the dense old-growth forests on the southern flanks of Mount Hood. Sam Barlow and his business partners only operated the toll road for two years before the toll concession passed into a succession of other hands. Today the segment of the Barlow Road between the eastern edge of the forests and Barlow Pass is now known as Barlow Trail (NF-3530) and is open to 4x4ers, overlanders, and those with an adventurous spirit.

Winding along narrow shelf roads, through alpine forests, and past some of the prettiest views in northern Oregon, Bennett Pass Road is a jewel of the Mount Hood National Forest. The amazing views of Mount Hood will be treasured memories for years to come. In the mid-to-late summer, wildflowers bloom along the many hidden hanging meadows and high prairies. Droves of butterflies can swarm around your vehicle on sunny summer afternoons making you think you're in a fairy tale. On very clear days, you can see from Mount Hood and Mount Adams to the north and all the way down south to the Three Sisters and maybe even Diamond Peak. Views to the east span hundreds of miles of high desert and the Oregon Outback.

Firebreak Five is a trail that can go from mild to wild depending on conditions. In dry summer weather, most vehicles can navigate the entire trail by taking the easiest lines and combining good spotting and good driving. In the soggy winter months, certain sections of the trail, such as Waypoint 4, can become incredibly difficult or even impassable for all but trucks rolling on sticky tires, with front and rear lockers, or with little regard for possible drive-train damage. The changing conditions and challenges that voyagers along Firebreak Five face are all part of the adventure. Firebreak Five also has the distinction of being a "Jeep Badge of Honor." For those looking for a big challenge, there is an optional rock garden, and there are very difficult lines to take on the obstacles that will challenge even the most built rigs.

Succor Creek Road is a mixture of rolling desert grasslands, breathtaking canyons, and agricultural land. Located in eastern Oregon and part of the Bureau of Land Management, Succor Creek Road also runs through the Succor Creek State Natural Area. Coming from the Adrian side, the trail starts alongside sheep ranches that were built and settled by Basque migrants between the 1880s and 1930s. The trail then winds through the grasslands, where you will periodically see free-range cattle grazing. You will then come up by Succor Creek, a burbling stream that drifts beside the road and cuts through the canyon. Then you will start noticing the rising cliffs and rock formations that are part of Succor Creek State Natural Area. This area is ground zero for rockhounders searching for thundereggs which are designated as Oregon's state rock. Succor Creek Road gradually winds back to rolling grasslands, ending with agricultural land once again. There are a number of offroad trails off this road that are great for exploring during dry weather. Succor Creek Road and Leslie Gulch Road are two great trails to combine for an easy scenic day trip.

Lolo Pass is an iconic mountain pass in Oregon that hugs the northwestern shoulder of Mount Hood. Throughout the Lolo Pass trail, breathtaking views of Mount Hood loom large around every corner. During the snowy season and before the trail closes, Lolo Pass offers some of the best up-close scenic views of Mount Hood without the need to drive up US Highway 26 to Government Camp or Timberline Lodge. The views change drastically during the four seasons giving some of the most iconic views of Mount Hood while requiring low effort to reach the viewpoints.

Badger Lake Road snakes through a thin ribbon of forest flanked on either side by the Badger Creek Wilderness. After coming around the shoulder of Badger Butte, the trail narrows and plunges down a rocky shelf road toward the lake. Big views of the ridgeline where Bennett Pass Road traverses can be seen across the basin. The palisades in the distance are below Flag Point Lookout. Badger Lake, just after a shallow water crossing, is a wonderful spot to spend an afternoon canoeing, fishing, swimming, or hanging out enjoying the mountain air.

Fisherman Road presents breathtaking panoramas of the Owyhee Desert and Canyonlands terrain, showcasing a diverse landscape of grasslands, canyons, and the picturesque Owyhee Lake. Situated in Eastern Oregon, it is under the stewardship of the Bureau of Land Management. As you traverse this trail, see free-ranging cattle and pronghorn gracefully navigating the grasslands against a backdrop of volcanic rock formations. Descend into a charming canyon that unveils striking views of unique rock formations, ultimately leading you to the oasis of Lake Owyhee State Park. This remote haven offers fishing, boating, and camping opportunities, providing a serene escape surrounded by natural beauty.

People come to Lookout Mountain Road for two reasons: alpine prairies full of flowers and big views of Mount Hood. This road delivers on both accounts. The smooth, well-graded gravel road can be traversed by any sedan as long as there is not snow on the road. In summer, the alpine prairies, wet meadows, and forests are full of insects including wild bees and butterflies. At several points along the road, Mount Hood jumps out from behind a corner in all her splendor. While the majority of the road is in big timber, there are lush alpine prairies, wet meadows, and some outstanding views of the eastern flank of Mount Hood along the way. Running the road south-to-north will give you the best views of Mount Hood.