Snowmobile, a motorized adventure

Winter is here. The season that promises snowball fights, Christmas dinners and lots of Mariah Carey music on the radio has finally arrived. And while some people might be locked at home waiting for the warm weather to come back and rescue us from the long nights, you are different. You are the kind of person who is always looking for something to do, an adventure, a challenge. Lucky for you, we have a few!

Winter brings cold, the cold brings snow, and snow brings the opportunity to use one of the most unique methods of transportation: the snowmobile. You may know it as any of its aliases, Ski-Doo, snowmachine, sled, motor sled or even snow scooter. No matter what you call it, this motorized vehicle is designed to be operated on snow and ice, and most importantly, does not require a road.

Even though a trail is not always needed, it is strongly recommended. It’s a safer way to use a snowmobile following all protocols and regulations. For that reason, here is a list of snowmobile roads on the West Coast of the United States to enjoy during this winter. If you’re planning on going to the Payette National Park, Deschutes National Forest or the White River National Forest, keep reading.

Payette National Park

The Payette National Forest has areas with travel restrictions regarding where and when motorized use may be used, so this map will help you understand where you can access with your snowmobile. In some cases types of travel are restricted to ensure user safety.

Check out these maps:

• Payette National Forest Winter Travel Map West Half by US Forest Service R4
• Payette National Forest Winter Travel Map East Half by US Forest Service R4

Deschutes National Forest

• Deschutes National Forest: Bend Area Snowmobile Trails Map by US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region (WA/OR)

This map covers snowmobile trails in the Central Oregon Cascades region west of Bend, Oregon. With over 100 miles of snowmobile trails in the area, this is a popular destination. Snowmobile trails in this area are groomed and maintained by the Central Oregon Snowbusters in partnership with the Deschutes National Forest.

• Santiam Pass Snowmobile Trail Map - Mount Jefferson Snowmobile Club by US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region (WA/OR)

This map is published for snowmobile trails in the Santiam Pass area of the Willamette National Forest and the Deschutes National Forest. This map shows Nordic ski trails but the primary use of this map is for snowmobilers. This map shows the snowmobile trails for Ray Benson Sno-Park, Little Nash Sno-Park, Lava Lake Sno-Park, Ikenik Sno-Park, and Big Springs Sno-Park.

White River National Forest

• White River NF - Eagle & Holy Cross Ranger Districts - Winter MVUM by US Forest Service R2 Rocky Mountain Region
• White River NF - Dillon Ranger District - Winter MVUM US Forest Service R2 Rocky Mountain Region

The MVUMs display National Forest System (NFS) routes, roads, and trails designated as open to motorized travel. The MVUMs also display allowed uses by vehicle class; seasonal allowances, off travel distance allowances, and provide information on other travel rules and regulations.

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