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Nicolai Mountain OHV Area

Clatsop

Note: Not all trails in an area will be open to all vehicle types.

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Site Description

Clatsop State Forest contains approximately 154,000 acres of forest lands. The Nicolai Mountain area is managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry and is surrounded by private timber companies that do not allow OHVs. Please respect the closures.

Limited parking and approximately 30 miles of Easiest to More Difficult trails (open to quads, motorcycles, and side-by-side ATVs). Trails designated open to side-by-side ATVs are limited to 65” in width and are not open to jeeps and other 4x4 vehicles.

Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the Clatsop State Forest. Please use established sites and pack out all trash. Emergencies and Services: In the event of an emergency call 9-1-1, and be aware that cellular phone service is spotty in the area.

An OHV map of the area is available from the website as well as from the Astoria District Office.

Trail Difficulty

Easiest, More Difficult

Season of Use

Year-round. Riding conditions are best in Fall and Spring. Trails get dusty in Summer and may be closed seasonally or due to fire restrictions.  Area may be snowed out in Winter months.  Contact land manager for trail status.

Permit Requirements

Oregon ATV Permit

Sound Limit

95-99db, depending on vehicle

Other Requirements

U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestors required

Know Before You Go

  • Types of ATVs
  • Safety Training Requirements
  • Class I and III ATVs are required to have United States Forest Service approved spark arrestors or end caps. Most mufflers or end caps will be stamped “USFS Approved Spark Arrestor” if it meets the requirement.
  • The U.S. Forest Service is currently designating trails, roads, and open areas for ATV riding. Once the planning process is complete, the managing agency will print maps showing the designated roads, trails and open areas. It is the responsibility of everyone who operates an off-highway vehicle to know the rules and regulations for their chosen riding area before hitting the trail.
  • An ATV/OHV operating permit that is issued in another state shall be honored in the State of Oregon if the issuing state also honors an Oregon ATV operating permit. Regardless of the class of ATV, an operator must have a resident state ATV/OHV operating permit or a State of Oregon ATV operating permit to operate the ATV on public lands in Oregon. An Oregon ATV Operating Permit may be issued to any class ATV owned by a resident of another state. For a list of states that have reciprocity with Oregon, please visit the ATV Permits page.
  • Some vehicles such as ATVs and side-by-sides are never street legal in Oregon even if licensed and plated in their home state. These vehicles must have a valid OHV registration or permit to be used on trails on public lands in Oregon.