National Forest Question

[KStrapper]

If I'm on a forest service road and there is national forest ground on both sides of the road, can I park on the side of the road anywhere and hike in? (Instead of a trailhead) I obviously wouldn't park somewhere that would prevent vehicles from getting by, but my vehicle would be there for 3-5 days at a time also. This is just a general question, I realize every national forest can have different regulations in place.

 

[jjenness]

What state are you going to be hunting in?

 

[larryschwartz]

I would check the national forest in question to make sure you get the right information.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

Typically it's fine. The problem is usually pulling off the road too far. Most Forrest's around here you cannot park more than 50' off of a designated road.

 

[elkmtngear]

In Oregon, I believe you have to have a "parking permit" you can get from the Fish and Wildlife dept...not sure how many days those are good for.

 

[TJ]

In Oregon, I believe you have to have a "parking permit" you can get from the Fish and Wildlife dept...not sure how many days those are good for.

In Oregon you only need a permit at some trail heads and a few wildlife areas, and they will be marked. Mostly you can park on NF lands anywhere you like.

 

[KStrapper]

Thanks for the replies. JJenness I wasn't thinking of a specific state, just asking in general. Looking at Colorado for this year, but also other states for future hunts. I have to think that not starting at a trailhead would help with getting away from others. Sounds like I should just call the ranger district in charge of each area I hunt to be safe. Thanks again.

 

[muleman]

If you can find them, each ranger district has a travel plan. These plans detail the specific rules for trails and roads in the NF. Thing like how far off the road a vehicle can be, as was mentioned above. Or how close a camp can be to the trail etc... The problem is finding the current plan online.

 

[Elk Addict]

If you can find them, each ranger district has a travel plan. These plans detail the specific rules for trails and roads in the NF. Thing like how far off the road a vehicle can be, as was mentioned above. Or how close a camp can be to the trail etc... The problem is finding the current plan online.

Yep. And I was told that all ranger districts must have their travel plan, or MVUM, available online by 2014.