Tillamook State Forest

The Tillamook State Forest is the main dirt bike destination in Oregon's northern Coast Range, run by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The forest's trails are grouped into several OHV areas, and the state says the Browns Camp, Jordan Creek, and Diamond Mill areas alone add up to more than 250 miles of riding. Each area has its own character. Browns Camp is the gentlest, with marked and rated loops that suit novice and intermediate riders. Jordan Creek is rated moderate to difficult and is open to motorcycles, quads, side-by-sides, and four-wheel drives. Diamond Mill is the one for motorcycle riders who want a challenge, with mostly difficult, technical singletrack that is open to motorcycles only. Expect thick forest, damp ground, and plenty of shade.

The forest is shared with other users and other machines, so check the ODF trail map for which trails allow which vehicles. Individual trails can close at any time for logging, maintenance, or fire danger, and the agency asks riders to stay off the trails during heavy rain to protect them.

Getting there

This page centers on the Browns Camp OHV staging area and campground, the eastern-most OHV camp in the forest, which ODF calls the recommended starting point for novice and amateur riders. From Portland, take Highway 26 or US 30 toward Forest Grove, then Highway 6 west to just past milepost 33 and turn south on Beaver Dam Road, following signs. The nearest town with services is Forest Grove, about 20 to 30 miles east. Diamond Mill and Jordan Creek have their own staging areas elsewhere in the forest, and the ODF trail map shows where each one is.

Fees, permits, and rules

Day use of the staging areas is free unless you occupy a campsite. Every OHV needs an Oregon ATV operating permit sticker, which costs $10 per vehicle, is valid for two years, and is sold online through Oregon State Parks and at some stores along Highway 6. Motorcycle operators also need the ATV Safety Education Card, which comes from a free online course. Out-of-state permits are honored only if the issuing state also honors Oregon's. A USFS-approved spark arrestor is required and the sound limit is 99 dB.

Browns Camp has 28 drive-in sites and one group site, reserved through ReserveAmerica. Campers must bring at least one OHV. Fees reported in 2026 are $20 a night for a site, plus a $10 reservation fee per booking, and $5 a night for an extra vehicle. Confirm current rates with ODF.

When to ride

Many trails are open year round, but the Browns Camp campground is open April 1 through October 31. In fire season the rules tighten. At high fire danger, OHV use is allowed only before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m., and at extreme it is restricted. Check the ODF fire restrictions map and the OHV trail report before you go. Spring and fall are the usual picks, and RiderPlanet suggests a one- to two-day stay for the Browns Camp area.