Ronnie Renner in action at Red Bull Ronnie Renner Freeride Winchester Bay, Oregon USA, July 2nd, 2011.
© Garth Milan / Red Bull Content Pool
Motocross

Top 5 motocross trails in Oregon

Red Bull Dirty Dozen in Portland showcases some of the most intense riding challenges the state has to offer.
By Amanda Clark
5 min readPublished on
It doesn’t matter if it’s seasoned riders or amateurs just diving into dirt biking. Oregon’s motocross trails have something for everyone in the state’s thriving off-road community.
Red Bull motocross athlete Carson Brown learned how to ride on Pacific Northwest terrain in nearby Washington growing up, and it shaped him into the pro rider he is today.
Carson Brown rides at his private testing facility in Seattle, Washington, USA on 25 April 2023.

Carson Brown rides at his private testing facility in Seattle, Washington

© Chris Tedesco / Red Bull Content Pool

“I want to be known as the guy that can do anything and just loves dirt bikes — anything with two wheels,” Brown says. “I want to spread the joy of it and show that we can race it all.”
For fans chasing that same joy, there are multiple motocross trails to choose from throughout the Northwest. Should anyone find themselves in Oregon, these are the motocross trail spots to put at the top of the list.
01

Browns Camp OHV Area, Gales Creek

Located in the Tillamook State Forest, Browns Camp OHV Area is an oasis for off-road enthusiasts. The terrain here includes a mix of easy to moderate level trails, perfect for any beginner and even pros who want to go back to the basics.
The diverse and stunning landscapes at Browns Camp OHV Area make it a must-visit for motocross enthusiasts. Riders can explore more than 19,800 acres with 50 miles of trails that are all marked for the difficulty level so riders know what they’re getting into. While there are some twisty and narrow trails, most are wide enough for ATVs and offer easy ways around deep rutted or more technical spots.
02

East Fort Rock OHV Trail System, Maupin

The East Fort Rock OHV Trail System is situated in the Deschutes National Forest, near the east side of Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. There’s a sprawling network of trails totaling more than 300 miles across 110,000 acres, with four staging areas and multiple play areas.
East Fort Rock’s trails also provide riders with 83 miles of shared-use roads for competitive and casual riding. The trail system has paths ranging from easy to difficult, so there’s something available for every skill level. Riders can push their limits with the more difficult trails to see what they’re capable of conquering. It’s the perfect trail to practice for any dirt bike competitions.
03

Christmas Valley Sand Dunes, Christmas Valley

For a different kind of riding experience, head to the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes in south-central Oregon. Christmas Valley is home to the Pacific Northwest’s largest inland shifting dune system, providing plenty of thrills for riders. This area features more than 8,000 acres of shifting sand dunes, offering a playground for motocross enthusiasts.
The dunes have year-round riding with difficulty ranging into three categories: easiest, more difficult, and most difficult. The terrain can be challenging due to the loose sand, requiring skillful handling and appropriate bike setup. It’s ideal for experienced riders and open to all classes of OHVs.
04

Santiam Pass OHV Area, Willamette National Forest

The Santiam Pass OHV Area is known for its high-altitude trails and breathtaking mountain views. This area in the Willamette National Forest has 33 miles of trails, including 23 easy loops for beginners and 10 technical routes for intermediate riders. Riders can find a few lowland areas within the Santiam Pass OHV Area. The highest point on these trails is the Three Fingered Jack, towering at an altitude of 2,390 meters (7,841 feet).
Since there are no difficult trails in the mix, the Santiam Pass OHV Area is perfect for family riders. It’s the area for those who might want to have an easier day while still finding a few opportunities for a thrilling challenge.
05

Winom-Frazier OHV Complex, Ukiah

Sandwiched between both the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests, the Winom-Frazier OHV Complex offers a remote and rugged riding experience. The area features approximately 150 miles of trails, traversing diverse terrain including forests, open meadows, and rocky ridges. Trails managed by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest range from short and quick 0.4-mile length courses to trails over nine miles that’ll test riders’ limits.
Riding area elevations go from 4,600 feet in the area close to Cable Creek all the way up to 6,900 feet at Tower Mountain. Motocross riders can find trail levels from easiest to highly difficult, making Winom-Frazier OHV Complex ideal for intermediate and advanced riders.

Embrace adventure on Oregon’s off-road trails

Oregon’s motocross trails offer a diverse and exhilarating riding experience, catering to all levels of riders. From the forests of Browns Camp OHV Area to the expansive sand dunes of Christmas Valley, each trail presents unique challenges and stunning scenery. Whether it’s tackling the rocky paths of East Fort Rock or navigating the rugged Winom-Frazier OHV Complex, riders are sure to find an unforgettable adventure.
Get ready to gear up and hit the trails because Oregon’s motocross tracks are calling. And for those who crave a high-octane Oregon motocross competition, Red Bull Dirty Dozen in Portland showcases some of the most intense riding challenges the state has to offer.