The Blue Mountain eagle., March 30, 2016, Page 19, Image 39

MIKE COOMBS PHOTO
GET OUT & GO
Off-Roading
IN GRANT COUNTY
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
MORROW/GRANT COUNTY OHV PARK
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.
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) 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 and riding with a friend; also, tread lightly
by leaving the trails in good condition, being respectful and picking up trash.
MyEagleNews.com | OFFICIAL GRANT COUNTY VISITOR GUIDE 2016 | 19