e xplor e
LIKE A LOCAL
OFF-ROAD
MIKE COOMBS PHOTO
If it’s a motorized off-road escape you’re looking for,
there are trails to be found in Grant County.
Two easy-access areas for ATVs, motorcycles and jeeps include Little Canyon Mountain Trail,
approximately 2.5 miles east of Canyon City, for experienced riders, and Morrow/Grant County
OHV Park, 82 miles northwest of John Day off of Highway 207 (35 miles south of Heppner)
which has trails for a variety of skill levels.
LITTLE CANYON MOUNTAIN
Designated Routes
A short drive from Canyon City will take you to this popular recreation spot that is open
year-round.
Visitors turn onto East Main Street from Highway 26. The road is also called Marysville and
County Road 52.
A kiosk on site shows designated routes for motorcycles, ATVs and jeeps.
BLM officials note that to the southeast is land designated by the Forest Service as
Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area, closed to OHV use; riders should also avoid private
property and active mining claims. They warn conditions are dangerous when the ground
is muddy or icy.
Accessibility could change when a new BLM management plan for this area is finalized;
officials ask visitors to call their office in Prineville, 541-416-6700, at that time to see if the
revision will affect their trip.
MORROW/GRANT COUNTY OHV PARK
There are plenty of trails at the Morrow/Grant park, and plenty of amenities. Open season
is May 12 through December 6, depending on weather, and there is a limited riding area
open during the off season.
The park boasts 200 miles of trails (20 miles jeep accessible) including trails for a variety of
skill levels. Some areas have novice and advanced trail systems in the same area for family fun.
There is an RV park, which has tent spaces and cabins available for rent with newly built
ADA restrooms and showers nearby. Wi-fi is available in open season, and certain areas
allow for cell service, including at the main entrance and near the stop sign at Highway 207.
Day trail riding is free and there are picnic areas. Small stocked fishing ponds, a hiking trail
and a golf driving range provide more recreation.
Volunteer EMTs are around on most weekends during open season, and law enforcement
is on patrol year-round.
For the off-season area, drive past the main entrance on the 21 Road, travel about 3 miles
and turn right at the 2128 Road (a sign reads day use), travel about 1 mile, unload in the day
use area on right hand side. A vault bathroom (no water) is available.
Park officials remind the public to stay safe by wearing appropriate riding gear, riding
with a friend; also, tread lightly by leaving the trails in good condition, being respectful and
picking up trash.
RICKY AUDIS
When Ricky Audis of John Day isn’t working, he’s
riding – four-wheelers, a side-by-side, motorcycles
and snowmobiles.
He put it this way: His four-wheeler, less than a
year old, has 6,200 miles on it.
“I go out every day when I’m off work,” he said.
Audis is a native of John Day and works as an
alignment technician at Les Schwab Tire Center.
When Audis rides, he brings his wife, daughter
and the dogs.
He sticks mainly to easy terrain with dirt and
gravel roads.
“I enjoy the peacefulness – no people, the
wildlife and wild horses,” he said.
For the latest information on accessible ATV
routes, call the Malheur Forest Supervisor’s
Office at 541-575-3000 or visit their website at
www.fs.usda.gov/malheur/.
A couple ATV riding areas include the
Morrow/Grant County HOV Park in northern Grant
County, and Canyon Mountain Trail east of Canyon
City.
For more information or to
purchase maps of the
Little Canyon Mountain Trail or
Morrow/Grant County OHV Park
Call the main office at:
541-989-8214