ACCESS AREAS
Motorized
Motorized use includes ATV’s, side by sides, Jeeps, and motorcycles and can be enjoyed above the rim, on MERA’s western half.
Whatever your mode of transportation, the views of the Grande Ronde Valley from Mount Emily are breathtaking!
Motorized access on MERA is designated to the western half of the property, above the rim. Seasonal access is allowed on ATV route 409, Igo Extension. This route is intended to provide motorized access to MERA’s neighbors on the eastern half of the park. Trail 409, Igo Extension is seasonally closed to motorized access from October 1 to March 31 to accommodate winter wildlife range. The intent of this closure is to encourage local elk herds to winter on MERA and stay out of the agricultural fields in the valley.
Required to Ride or Drive Motorized Trails
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ATV Permit, $10 for 2 year permit
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Spark Arrestor
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Silencer, 99db maximum
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ATV Safety Education Card
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ATV permit is required on all vehicles entering the MERA trails, available at AC Powersports, Bi-Mart, and Xtreme Heights Motorsports
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Spark arrestor is required at all times
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Silencer required, 99db Maximum
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All operators must hold a valid ATV Safety Education Card
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Motorized use allowed on designated routes only, no off trail travel, stay out of sensitive meadows
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Speed limit in trailheads and campground – 5 MPH
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No target shooting or paintballs
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Hunting is allowed
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Camping allowed at Fox Hill Campground only, 14 day stay limit
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Fires allowed in designated fire rings at Fox Hill Staging Area and Campground only, observe seasonal restrictions
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No woodcutting
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Keep control of dogs at all times
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Clean up after dogs
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Pack it in pack it out, no garbage service
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No trespassing on private property
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ATV’s are not allowed on Fox Hill Road or on the Forest Service Road 3120
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Respect the property, wildlife, and one another
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Over the snow travel by machine is allowed on the western portion once snow depths have exceeded 18 inches
Motorized Rules
Motorized Recreation Preferred Routes:
Class I (ATVs, 3 Wheelers) 400-499
MERA has combined Class I (ATV’s) and Class IV (Side-by-sides) into one trail system, 65 inches or less. Trails 400-499 are designated for Class IV and Class I OHV, the first digit in the numbering system indicates trail designation. All of the existing 400 numbered trails have been built specific to accommodate Class I and Class IV vehicles. There are no trails numbered 100-199. While none of the 400 routes are black diamonds they do provide challenge and are rough in nature. This trail system is still under development as we are working to develop a Class IV trail that runs the perimeter of the motorized portion of MERA. There are many miles yet to be achieved. These miles will add up faster if you are interested in volunteering, come join us!
Class II (4x4s, Jeeps) 200-299
Trails 200-299 are designated for Class II OHV, the first digit in the numbering system indicates trail designation in association with user class.
The majority of the Class II trail system is actually native material log hauling roads that were in place prior to Union County ownership. These routes are not challenging for 4x4 vehicles when they are dry and firm. As the trail system expands we are developing more challenging and technical routes. Volunteer participation has been limited with this user group and expansion has been slow.
A few routes have been developed to provide a more challenging experience and reach some of the better views within MERA, take a drive and check these out…
Trail 212 Junior’s Line; just out of the Fox Hill Trailhead right off 201 Mainline. Wind your way up and discover some optional line routes to challenge any rig in the group. Some choice rock routes to see if you have big enough tires.
Trail 222 Spine; midway up 201 Mainline, hit the Spine. 222 is a rocky spine like ridge that you can pick your way across while enjoying a 360 degree view of the world.
Trail 260 Jeepers Creepers; off the north end of the 201 Mainline turn up trail 260. Stay left and put it in low. Stop and walk out to the viewpoint, these views never get old. Work your way up to the top, it’s a tight one, and back down you go.
From here head on to the Mt Emily towers via the FS roads 500 and 520 to the north.
Or loop down 202 Mt Emily Road for a scenic drive below the rim and back up 203 Highline to the Fox Hill Trailhead.
Class III (Motorcycles) 300-399
Trails 300-399 are designated for Class III motorcycles, the first digit in the numbering system indicates trail designation in association with user class.
The motorcycle trail system is being built as you read this. Two of our most relentless volunteers are either out in the field building rugged singletrack or are fast asleep dreaming about building rugged singletrack. These two and occasionally other volunteers have built the entire Class III system by hand. The intent is to build a perimeter trail around the western half of MERA. Due to many unforeseen obstacles this perimeter trail is being built in sections and will be linked together as we are able address necessary challenges. Recommended route; ride all of it one way and then ride it the other, repeat. Also, take a lap on the motocross track, fun for all experience levels.
Class IV (Side-by-sides, 65 inches wide or less) 400-499
MERA has combined Class I (ATV’s) and Class IV (Side-by-sides) into one trail system, 65 inches or less. Trails 400-499 are designated for Class IV and Class I OHV, the first digit in the numbering system indicates trail designation. All of the existing 400 numbered trails have been built specific to accommodate Class IV vehicles. While none of these routes are black diamonds they do provide challenge and are rough in nature. This trail system is still under development as we are working to develop a Class IV trail that runs the perimeter of the motorized portion of MERA. There are many miles yet to be achieved. These miles will add up faster if you are interested in volunteering, come join us!
Snowmobiles have always been popular on Mt Emily. Increasing in popularity are tracked ATV’s and side-by-sides as well as for those snow wheeling. Snow wheeling begins by dropping the tire pressure of customized 4x4’s and traveling on top of the snow. It is always wise to recreate on MERA in groups of 3 or more to ensure a safe outing. Please plan your outings and know the rules and observe trail etiquette. Represent your sport in a positive way.
December 15 to April 1 is snow grooming season for snowmobile routes along Forest Service Road 3120. This route is groomed from Summit Road off I-84 to its connection on Fox Hill Road and is intended for tracked machines only, no wheeled access. This route also encompasses Forest Service Road 520 that extends to the Mt Emily towers, no wheeled access. Please respect this access and stay off any groomed routes if travelling by wheeled machine, ATV’s, Jeeps, etc…
In addition to FS 3120; please observe seasonal closures on a few of the MERA motorized trails. Trail 202, Mt Emily Road and trail 203, Highline, are also closed to wheeled machines in this timeframe. Tracked machines are allowed on these routes throughout the winter.
In years of early and late snow these dates may be extended to accommodate conditions and will be posted as necessary.
Motorized Winter Recreation
Once snow depth exceeds 18 inches then cross country travel is permitted on MERA, until that point please stay on the trail to minimize impacts.