ORV Rules

Former United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Dale Bosworth identified unmanaged recreation as one of four major threats the National Forest system lands.  As a result, the Forest Service set out a process of managing off-road vehicle (ORV) recreation, known informally as the ORV Rule.

A motorcycle speeds past a hiker on the Alder Ridge Trail in the Mad River / Entiat area of the Wenatchee National Forest.

Washington Trails Association's Position

WTA welcomes a ban on cross-country travel and closure of illegal routes—it’s been a long time coming, and in light of the problems with mudding that the Cle Elum Ranger District faces, it is deeply needed.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee is considering opening some of its roads to off-road vehicles as part of this process.  One of WTA concerns is the safety of both drivers and ORV users when they meet on narrow, winding forest roads.

Lastly, particularly in the Okanogan portion of the forest, some of the proposed mixed-use roads would access trailheads in designated Wilderness.  WTA is extremely concerned that these routes could result in motorized incursions into these protected areas.

What You Can Do

To see where the forests are in this planning process and check out the maps of the proposed changes, visit the Okanogan & Wenatchee National Forest website. 

For more information on how to take part in this process join WTA's Trail Action Network for updates on this and other policies that affect hikers.