Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route

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The Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR) is the 12th route developed by the BDR organization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel.

The Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR) is a 683-mile, multi-day off-pavement ride designed for adventure and dual-sport motorcycles. Starting in the high deserts of the southeast and exploring north through ancient pine forests and into the rugged mountains of the Cascade Range, challenges include lava rocks, silt, sand, and arduous mountain roads. From sagebrush steppe and hot springs, to caverns and glaciated volcanoes, riders are guided into remote territories that reveal many of the state’s natural wonders, providing prime sightseeing and recreational opportunities. With stunning views throughout and terrain that is certain to test your riding skills and endurance, the ORBDR is one of the best ways to discover the backcountry of Oregon.

Attention: Travel Restrictions are in effect for Section 1 for the remainder of summer 2024. Check the Routes Updates page for more details HERE

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The latest version of the ORBDR map is the Second Edition, dated: June 2024

SECTION-BY-SECTION

DENIO JUNCTION
TO PLUSH PLUSH
TO CHRISTMAS VALLEY CHRISTMAS VALLEY
TO SUNRIVER SUNRIVER
TO SISTERS SISTERS
TO DETROIT DETROIT
TO GOVERNMENT CAMP GOVERNMENT CAMP
TO HOOD RIVER

DENIO JUNCTION TO PLUSH – 166 miles

The Oregon BDR starts at the quaint hotel, restaurant, and gas stop known as Denio Junction in Nevada. From there, Section 1 travels north on pavement to the Oregon border and continues another 18 miles on Highway 205 where the track turns left onto a dirt road and ascends Domingo Pass (6,400’) in the Pueblo Mountains. If you continue straight on Highway 205, you’ll find the town of Fields which serves as an alternate starting point for the route. Both Denio Junction and Fields have gas and lodging options but it is advised to book your rooms well in advance.

After crossing over Domingo Pass, it’s a long ride through vast open lands in southeast Oregon. The roads will vary in width and alternate between gravel and dirt, and include some nice double-track. Watch for loose silt beds on these segments especially later in the riding season. Riders can opt to explore the more difficult and optional out-and-back track to the summit of Beatys Butte (7,918’).

The roads get rocky for the second half of Section 1 so pick your lines well to avoid flats. After Beatys the route turns north then west to go around Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. Consider the short out-and-back to Hart Mountain Hot Springs or a stop at the refuge visitor center before descending to the general store in Plush, the end of Section 1.

Denio Junction Motel, Denio, NV (Section 1)
Denio Junction has a small country store, restaurant, bar, gas station, and hotel all in one stop. There are 7 rustic rooms available. This place has plans to expand further with more lodging and camping options.  Call ahead to book well in advance.

  • Address: 51550 Denio Hwy 140, Denio, NV
  • Phone: (775) 941-0610

Fields Station, Fields, OR (Section 1)
Fields Station has a small country store, restaurant, gas station, and hotel all in one stop.  There are three cabins with 8 rustic rooms available. Call ahead to book well in advance. There are no other lodging options in this immediate area.

  • Address: 22276 Fields Drive, Fields, OR, 97710
  • Phone: (541) 495-2275
  • Visit Website

The Plush Bunkhouse, Plush, OR (Section 1/2)
Plush Bunkhouse is a small AirBNB cabin across the street from the Hart Mountain Store. There is one bedroom and a futon. Call ahead to book well in advance.

  • Address: 28228 Hogback Rd, Plush, OR 97637
  • Phone: (541) 891-3635

Denio Junction Restaurant, Denio, NV (Section 1)
Denio Junction has a small country store, restaurant, bar, gas station, and hotel all in one stop.

  • Address: 51550 Denio Hwy 140, Denio, NV
  • Phone: (775) 941-0610

Fields Station, Fields, OR (Section 1)
Fields Station has a small country store, restaurant, gas station, and hotel all in one stop.  There are three cabins with 8 rustic rooms available. Call ahead to book well in advance. There are no other lodging options in this immediate area.

  • Address: 22276 Fields Drive, Fields, OR, 97710
  • Phone: (541) 495-2275
  • Visit Website

Denio Junction, Denio, NV (Section 1)
87 Octane Only. Denio Junction has a small country store, restaurant, bar, gas station, and hotel all in one stop.

  • Address: 51550 Denio Hwy 140, Denio, NV
  • Phone: (775) 941-0610

Fields Station, Fields, OR (Section 1)
Clear Premium available but sometimes premium pump has issues and can only be run by store attendant. Fields Station has a small country store, restaurant, gas station, and hotel all in one stop.

  • Address: 22276 Fields Drive, Fields, OR, 97710
  • Phone: (541) 495-2275
  • Visit Website

PLUSH TO CHRISTMAS VALLEY – 98.5 miles

Plush has food, drinks, and a gas pump—amenities that you’ll need before starting Section 2. Be sure to check for hours of operation before you arrive. Not far from Plush the fun factor kicks in as the route ascends into the Coyote Hills. Riders will encounter a long straight powerline road that goes north and leads to Highway 395 at the upper end of Lake Abert—an alkali lake that is mostly dry in late summer. After crossing the highway, the gravel roads are in good shape for a stretch, but eventually the track deteriorates into rocky sections that demand careful line selection to avoid flat tires. Be mindful, there is an arched cattle guard that could prove dangerous if taken at speed. In addition, there are a few barbed wire ranch gates throughout this section (remember to leave gates as you found them). The terrain remains this way for over 40 miles, so take your time and hydrate along the way. Eventually the route descends into Fandango Canyon and takes you to the rural town of Christmas Valley which has a more complete selection of services.

The Plush Bunkhouse, Plush, OR (Section 1/2)
Plush Bunkhouse is a small AirBNB cabin across the street from the Hart Mountain Store. There is one bedroom and a futon. Call ahead to book well in advance.

  • Address: 28228 Hogback Rd, Plush, OR 97637
  • Phone: (541) 891-3635

Hart Mountain Store, Plush, OR (Section 2)
A small country store, restaurant, and gas station in Plush, OR.  Great place to have a burger or gather snacks and supplies for camping and on the trail.

  • Address: 28229 Hogback Rd Plush, OR 97637
  • Phone: (541) 947-2491

Hart Mountain Store, Plush, OR (Section 2)
87 Octane Only. A small country store, restaurant, and gas station in Plush, OR.

  • Address: 28229 Hogback Rd Plush, OR 97637
  • Phone: (541) 947-2491
  • Visit Website

CHRISTMAS VALLEY TO SUNRIVER – 101 miles

You’ll take gravel roads that head north out of Christmas Valley as you start Section 3. Not far into the day’s ride, two optional 1/4 mile hikes lead to a volcanic feature called ‘Crack in the Ground’ and a viewpoint at ‘Green Mountain Lookout’ (5,190’). The route then turns onto Millican Road (remember to leave gates as you found them) and then enters Deschutes National Forest. The roads in this area are usually in good shape early in the year but can get silty and rocky as the riding season progresses. Take it easy if the silt is deep or if the roads are wet, as they’ll be slick and sometimes impassable. If time permits, take advantage of two optional out-and-back rides to discovery points: the viewpoint on Pine Mountain (6,348’) and Paulina Crater in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This next section might provide some of the most epic and memorable riding on the entire ORBDR. We’ve dubbed this “The LUGE” as it is a fun section of tight, twisty forest road that winds down the mountain and feels like riding a luge. After recomposing yourself and wiping the smile off your face, the main track follows a road that wraps around the north end of the Paulina Crater and then crosses Highway 97 at the town of Sunriver.

Lakeside Motel & RV Park, Christmas Valley, OR (Section 3)
Lakeside Motel features warm & cozy rooms located on the banks of Baert Lake. Great restaurant for breakfast and walking distance to town.  Call ahead to book well in advance.

  • Address: 87275 County Hwy 9-28, Christmas Valley, OR 97641
  • Phone: (541) 576-2309
  • Visit Website

Christmas Valley Desert Inn Motel, Christmas Valley, OR (Section 3)
Christmas Valley Desert Inn Motel has 4 single units and 8 double queen rustic units. Call ahead to book well in advance.

  • Address: 87217 Christmas Valley Hwy, Christmas Valley, OR 97641
  • Phone: (541) 576-2262
  • Visit Website

East Lake Resort, La Pine, OR (Section 3)
East Lake Resort has 17 rustic cabins. There are no TVs, phones, cell phone service or wifi in any of the rental units. Call ahead to book well in advance.

  • Address: 22440 Paulina-East Lake Rd, La Pine, OR 97739
  • Phone: (541) 536-2230
  • Visit Website

Paulina Lake Lodge, La Pine, OR (Section 3)
Rustic cabins available ranging in price and size. Call ahead to book well in advance.

  • Address: 22440 Paulina-East Lake Rd, La Pine, OR 97739
  • Phone: (541) 536-2240
  • Visit Website

Ranch Hand, Christmas Valley, OR (Section 3)
Fantastic bar and grill with huge outdoor area and great menu. This place currently does not offer lodging but will be expanding with numerous options for lodging and camping.

  • Address: 87146 Christmas Valley Hwy, Christmas Valley, OR 97641
  • Phone: (541) 576-2014

Ranch Hand, Christmas Valley, OR (Section 3)
Fantastic bar and grill with huge outdoor area and great menu. This place currently does not offer lodging but will be expanding with numerous options for lodging and camping.

  • Address: 87146 Christmas Valley Hwy, Christmas Valley, OR 97641
  • Phone: (541) 576-2014

El Gallo Loco, Christmas Valley, OR (Section 3)

  • Address: 57276 Park Rd, Christmas Valley, OR 97641
  • Phone: (458) 262-5346

The Lodge, Christmas Valley, OR (Section 3)

  • Address: 87285 Christmas Valley Hwy, Christmas Valley, OR 97641

Chevron, Christmas Valley, OR (Section 3)
Clear Premium Available

  • Address: 87497 Christmas Valley Hwy, Christmas Valley, OR 97641
  • Phone: (541) 576-2200

SUNRIVER TO SISTERS – 68 miles

Gas up in the resort town of Sunriver and get ready to enter an area of Central Oregon that hosts outdoor recreationalists of all kinds. Keep the speed down and watch for walkers and cyclists who could be crossing the roads on singletrack trails in the vicinity. The next section of the ORBDR hopscotches between dirt and tarmac via Cascade Lakes Highway and Skyliners Drive. Soon afterward, expect steady climbs into an area where snowpack occasionally lingers into mid-July. If the snow is gone, this segment is a real treat with fun, flowy roads and includes an optional short side trip to Three Creek Lake, which has a small store with limited supplies. The track then descends into an area adjacent to private timber lands (heed all signs). After the dirt fun ends, you’ll ride a few miles on pavement to the vibrant western-themed town of Sisters, named for the Three Sisters volcanoes which are visible from portions of the route.

Sunriver Resort, Sunriver, OR (Section 4)
4-star luxury resort with many amenities. Call ahead to book well in advance.

  • Address: 17600 Center Dr, Sunriver, OR 97707
  • Phone: (855) 420-8206
  • Visit Website

Sunriver Brewing Co. Sunriver, OR (Section 4)
Brewpub and American food.

  • Address: 57100 Beaver Dr Bldg 4, Sunriver, OR 97707
  • Phone: (541) 306-5154

Shell, Sunriver, OR (Section 4)

  • Address: 56896 Venture Ln, Sunriver, OR 97707
  • Phone: (541) 593-8767

SISTERS TO DETROIT – 76 miles

The track north of Sisters journeys back onto roads within Deschutes National Forest. Skylight Cave is a recommended short side trip for cave lovers to get their spelunking on. After a fun whoops-filled section of the Old Santiam Wagon Road, the ORBDR begins to loop around Cache Mountain. An optional more difficult road branches off to Cache Mountain summit (5,579’) and excellent views of the Cascade Range can be seen. The riding north of Cache Mountain can be sandy and include plenty of bumps in late summer. The next segment is a delightful experience which soon connects with a brief ride on Highway 20. The route then follows miles of typical forest roads before descending to the east shore of Detroit Lake. Paved roads lead the rest of the way to the town of Detroit which was devastated by the Beachie Creek Fire in 2020. The town is being rebuilt and can use the infusion of tourist dollars, so stop and support local businesses while riding through or staying for the night.

Left Coast Lodge, Sisters, OR (Section 5)
The Left Coast Lodge, located in Sisters, OR, is a historic motor lodge (formerly Sisters Motor Lodge) which, under new ownership, has been transformed into a launchpad for adventure in Central Oregon.  All the rooms have been updated and are nicely appointed.  We have easy and safe onsite parking, a bike washing station, and a perfect property for relaxing and taking in views of the mountains.  We are a block from town and located right near a gas station offering ethanol free gas.  Come by and add the perfect stop to your incredible adventure.

  • Address: 511 W Cascade Ave, Sisters, OR 97759
  • Phone: (541) 549-2551
  • Visit Website

Best Western Ponderosa Lodge, Sisters, OR (Section 5)
3-star hotel in Sisters Oregon.

  • Address: 500 US-20, Sisters, OR 97759
  • Phone: (541) 549-1234
  • Visit Website

Sisters Inn & Suites, Sisters, OR (Section 5)
2-star hotel in Sisters, Oregon.

  • Address: 605 N Arrowleaf Trail, Sisters, OR 97759
  • Phone: (541) 549-7829
  • Visit Website

Grandstay Hotel, Sisters, OR (Section 5)
3-star hotel in Sisters, Oregon

  • Address: 1026 West Rail Way Sisters, OR 97759
  • Phone: (541) 904-0967
  • Visit Website

Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill, Sisters, OR (Section 5)
American food.

  • Address: 190 E Cascade Ave, Sisters, OR 97759
  • Phone: (541) 549-7427
  • Visit Website

High Camp Taphouse, Sisters, OR (Section 5)
Himalayan Food & Taphouse

  • Address: 523 US-20, Sisters, OR 97759
  • Phone: (541) 904-4694
  • Visit Website

Boone Dog Pizza, Sisters, OR (Section 5)

  • Address: 171 E Main Ave, Sisters, OR 97759
  • Phone: (541) 588-2054
  • Visit Website

Space Age Fuel #16, Sisters, OR (Section 5)
Clear Premium Available

  • Address: 411 W Cascade Ave #1500, Sisters, OR 97759
  • Phone: (541) 549-0537

Sinclair, Sisters, OR (Section 5)

  • Address: 210 E Cascade Ave, Sisters, OR 97759
  • Phone: (541) 549-1027

Chevron, Sisters, OR (Section 5)

  • Address: 1001 Railway, Sisters, OR 97759
  • Phone: (541) 549-5400

DETROIT TO GOVERNMENT CAMP – 92.5 miles

North of Detroit is another area that has been impacted by recent wildfires. In 2021, the Bull Complex Fire burned a large portion of Willamette National Forest and the ORBDR, as originally designed, had to be adjusted due to road closures. The route now ascends the Breitenbush River Valley on FS-46, then meanders on forest roads eastward toward Olallie Lake. The lake is accessed via an out-and-back on FS-4220, but there is a more direct, harder route for those who are comfortable with steep rocky and rutted roads. There’s a small store on the shore of this scenic lake which has food and supplies in the summer months (no fuel there). Olallie Lake also offers excellent camping and has cabins available. After Olallie, the route becomes a navigational challenge, so you’ll want to pay close attention to the GPS tracks as intersections are easily missed. Near the end of Section 6 the route passes by both Timothy Lake and Clear Lake which are excellent places to visit. The final miles are on Highway 26 and end at the town of Government Camp which has a fine selection of lodging, restaurants, and pubs.

Rushing River Retreat, Idanha, OR (Section 6)
A peaceful B&B with the addition of glamping units, kayaks and hammocks. Located four miles away from Detroit Lake. Call for availability.

  • Address: 49750 N Santiam Hwy, Idanha, OR 97350
  • Phone: (503) 854-3500 | (503) 507-9610
  • Visit Website

The Lodge at Detroit Lake, Detroit, OR (Section 6)
Small, rustic motel in Detroit, OR with 4 rooms. Call ahead to book well in advance.

  • Address: 175 Detroit Ave, Detroit, OR 97342
  • Phone: (503) 854-3344
  • Visit Website

Conners BBQ and pizza, Detroit, OR (Section 6)
BBQ & Pizza

  • Address: 195 Detroit Rd S, Detroit, OR 97342
  • Phone: (971) 285-1207
  • Visit Website

Korner Burgers & more, Detroit, OR (Section 6)

  • Address: 100 Detroit Ave, Detroit, OR 97342

River Run Grill, Detroit, OR (Section 6)

  • Address: 105 Breitenbush Rd, Detroit, OR 97342
  • Phone: (503) 854-3039

River Run, Detroit, OR (Section 6)

  • Address: 105 Breitenbush Rd, Detroit, OR 97342
  • Phone: (503) 854-3039

GOVERNMENT CAMP TO HOOD RIVER – 81.4 miles

The last section of the ORBDR leaves Government Camp on Highways 26 and 35. After leaving pavement, the route follows a blissful series of roads on a circuitous route through Mount Hood National Forest. The byways in this area to the southeast of Mount Hood are rocky and exposed at times, so keep your focus and ride within your ability. Factor in stopping at the numerous amazing viewpoints along the way.

After a long descent from Bennett Pass, the track then heads true north following high elevation roads on Gunsight Butte, Lookout Mountain, and Surveyors Ridge. The last ten miles are on pavement, but they are exceptionally scenic and pass through rural farms within the Hood River Valley. The ORBDR ends at Port Marina Park where Hood River meets the mighty Columbia River in the city of Hood River.

Best Western Mt. Hood Inn, Government Camp, OR (Section 7)
3-star hotel in the charming ski town of Government Camp.

  • Address: 87450 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • Phone: (503) 272-3205
  • Visit Website

The Lodge at Government Camp, Government Camp, OR (Section 7)
3-star hotel in the ski town of Government Camp.

  • Address: 30521 E Meldrum St #9, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • Phone: (503) 272-3316
  • Visit Website

Huckleberry Inn, Government Camp, OR (Section 7)
3-star hotel in the ski town of Government Camp with a great restaurant (try the huckleberry pancakes!)

  • Address: 88611 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • Phone: (503) 272-3325
  • Visit Website

Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, Hood River, OR (Section 7)
3-star hotel on the banks of the Columbia River

  • Address: 1108 E Marina Dr, Hood River, OR 97031
  • Phone: (541) 386-2200
  • Visit Website

Huckleberry Inn, Government Camp, OR (Section 7)
3-star hotel in the ski town of Government Camp with a great restaurant (try the huckleberry pancakes!)

  • Address: 88611 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • Phone: (503) 272-3325
  • Visit Website

Glacier Public House, Government Camp, OR (Section 7)

  • Address: 88817 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • Phone: (971) 275-8512
  • Visit Website

Mt. Hood Brewing Co. Government Camp, OR (Section 7)

  • Address: 87304 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • Phone: (503)-272-3172

Timberline Lodge, Government Camp, OR (Section 7)
Fine dining.

  • Address: 27500 E Timberline Road, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • Phone: (503)-272-3311
  • Visit Website

Riverside, Hood River, OR (Section 7)
Italian food

  • Address: 1108 E Marina Dr, Hood River, OR 97031
  • Phone: (541)-386-4410
  • Visit Website

Grace Su’s China Gorge Restaurant, Hood River, OR (Section 7)
Chinese food

  • Address: 2680 Old Columbia River Dr, Hood River, OR 97031
  • Phone: (541) 386-5331
  • Visit Website

Full Sail Brewing Company, Hood River, OR (Section 7)
Brew pub

  • Address: 506 Columbia St, Hood River, OR 97031
  • Phone: (541) 386-2247
  • Visit Website

Chevron off Hwy 26, Government Camp, OR (Section 7)

  • Address: 93770 US-26, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • Phone: (503) 337-2277

Chevron Government Camp, Government Camp, OR (Section 7)

  • Address: 90149 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028
  • Phone: (503) 272-3692

Pine Grove Pit Stop, Hood River, OR (Section 7)

  • Address: 2385 OR-35, Hood River, OR 97031
  • Phone: (541) 386-5855

Chevron Hood River, Hood River, OR (Section 7)

  • Address: 949 E Marina Dr, Hood River, OR 97031
  • Phone: (541) 386-7887

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE

ORBDR PACKING LIST

This packing list serves as an example and is not intended to be a complete list for your backcountry riding needs. Feel free to customize this list to work for you.

  • Helmet
  • Boots
  • Goggles
  • Gloves (2 sets)
  • Protective gear (pressure suit, Leatt brace, knee braces)
  • Jacket
  • Pants
  • Balaclava or neck gaitor
  • Water bladder or bottle
  • Hydration pack
  • Ear plugs

ORBDR MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIPS

Cascade Moto

Tigard, OR 97223

WEBSITE

Cascade Moto is Portland, Oregon's ADV headquarters. Both our Triumph and BMW showrooms stock new and used adventure bikes, parts and apparel, ADV accessories, and more. Both of our locations are near the start of the WABDR and ready to help you make your next ride the best yet. Come stop by our shop and tell us about your next adventure!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are answers to some of the Frequently Asked Questions about the Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route.

The Oregon BDR is a 750 mile multi-day backcountry adventure and dual sport motorcycle route starting in Denio Junction Nevada and ending in Hood River Oregon. The route follows remote and primitive roads along some of the most beautiful, unique, and isolated places in the state! The route is very remote in places so plan for any eventuality. The route takes you through small towns and unique attractions to see along the way.

The Oregon BDR can be ridden from start to finish generally from early July to the end of September. There are several high elevation places where snow lingers later into the season which may require a slight detour early in the season, most notably the snow bypass tracks titled “OR1 ALT – Hart Mountain Snow Bypass” and “OR4 ALT – Skyliners Snow Bypass”. Wildfires are also a possibility and can require reroutes around those affected areas.  Always check the Route Updates page for more information on current reroutes and closures.

Roads on the Oregon BDR are more challenging in some places than most other BDRs, especially in extreme dry or wet periods due to the natural road material. You may experience sand and/or rocky surfaces for longer periods than other BDRs especially in the southern portion of the route. Optional harder sections increase the difficulty with steep, loose, and rocky terrain. These harder sections can be bypassed if so desired. We consider this route intermediate-plus but not the hardest route in the BDR lineup.

The harder “expert” sections on the ORBDR are quite difficult so do not attempt them if you are not a very experienced and competent rider. 

Extreme heat is possible in the southern and central high desert portion of the Oregon BDR so pack plenty of water! Heat can transform natural road material into more soft and deep sandy surfaces. Additionally, rain, snow, and cold temperatures are possible at either ends of the riding season. Heavy rains can turn dirt roads into deep, slick mud. It is best to prepare for any weather eventuality.

Yes. As with all the BDR routes, the ORBDR was designed for riding South to North, but it can absolutely be done North to South. The route ends at a major interstate passage in the town of Hood River, OR. Please be prepared for two-way traffic everywhere on this route and always remember to Ride Right to avoid head-on collisions around blind corners.

The time each person takes to ride a BDR can vary based on many factors including your preparedness, riding skill/stamina, breakdowns, weather, and many other factors. There are 7 sections with services (gas, food, lodging) at the beginning and end of each section. It is suggested to ride a section per day but not a requirement. 

There are no special permits or passes needed for normal groups of riders. Street legal motorcycles with a license plate can ride the Oregon BDR.
There is a very short section (about a mile) in the Santiam Pass OHV area where we are using an OHV trail that is full Jeep width in our tracks. This will be rectified as soon as snow melts and we can scout the bypass. All other roads in this area are legal forest service roads for any licensed street legal vehicle to use. This has been verified with the Willamette NF Detroit Ranger District.

Parking at the East Lake boating site (Section 3 Bonus) requires a fee. Riding through does not.  For more information click HERE

Designated public campgrounds can be found in the national forests and other places along this route. A few of the public campgrounds are identified on the ORBDR map as a small tent icon and are listed on the www.RideBDR.com/ORBDR page. Dispersed camping is also available throughout the route but be aware that each forest and land manager has their own guidelines so it’s advisable to check their websites. Camping is not allowed on state trust lands except where there’s a designated campground. See our map above to see the brown shaded areas where the state doesn’t allow camping or fires or off-route vehicular travel.

In the national forest campgrounds campfires are allowed, but check with local Ranger Stations to determine if campfires are allowed before you build one. In most cases, campfires are only allowed in fire rings. See our map above to see where the many state trust lands are located (brown shaded areas). If you are dispersed camping, we don’t suggest building fires. Instead, bring a camp stove for cooking and boiling water to avoid the risk of fires in Oregon’s arid landscapes. Be sure to fully extinguish fires so they are DEAD-OUT. Use water to ensure a fire is fully extinguished and the ground is left cool and wet.

Read more about Oregon fire regulations, restrictions, and updates HERE

Never pass fuel. It’s one of the golden rules of adventure riding. The longest gap between fuel stops is 150 miles from Denio Junction NV to Plush OR. Riders in section 1 may divert to Fields Oregon to top up, reducing the section length to 135 miles. 75-100 miles in other sections.

The ORBDR is one of the most remote routes in the lineup. Because of this fact, lodging opportunities are slim but there are some along the way. The ORBDR page lists many of the hotels, motels and lodges that you’ll pass by. We highly recommend that you plan properly and make advanced reservations when possible. Carrying a minimum of “emergency” camping gear is important in Oregon as lodging can be unavailable and you can also get stuck at any time due to wet backroads from afternoon rain squalls.

We highly recommend that to plan your adventure on the ORBDR, you use online lodging/travel aggregators in addition to the listing of lodging options on the ORBDR page and the ORBDR Butler Map.

This route cannot be ridden without the use of GPS tracks.  Be prepared and bring the ORBDR Butler Map AND your navigation device with the latest ORBDR GPS tracks loaded. Free GPS tracks are available for download on this site. The route can also be navigated using a smartphone GPS navigational app like Gaia, Rever and others. The ORBDR expedition documentary film is a great source of information about the route and is available via on-demand video platforms like Vimeo and will be released for free on YouTube following the official film tour.

Any GPS unit capable of handling 15 track logs with a minimum of 1500 points each is suitable for use on the ORBDR. Garmin models that work best for this application are: Zumo XT, Zumo 590/595/395/396, Montana, and 276Cx. Many other GPS units are compatible with the GPX file format, check the owner’s manual of your device for more information.  You can also import the tracks into a GPS navigational app, like Gaia GPS, but make sure you have the premium version of the app, so you can navigate via offline maps.

Cell phone service is very limited on this route so a satellite communication or tracking device is recommended for emergency situations.  The ORBDR is one of the most remote routes to date and you should expect to not be able to easily reach services for much of the duration between towns.

Any bike that has a license plate, can run knobby tires, has adequate suspension, can carry the gear you will need, and has enough fuel range. Most adventure or dual-sport motorcycles will be suitable for the trip.  However, if you are planning on doing the Expert sections, we recommend a mid-sized bike for this route unless you are very comfortable on a big bore bike in rough technical terrain.  Even very experienced riders on our team reported being challenged on larger bikes by some of the technical sections of the route during the filming expedition. Choose the bike that you are the most comfortable riding in challenging terrain and that you are not afraid to drop a few times.

DOT approved knobby tires are strongly recommended.  Riding this route without at least a 60/40 tire (60% dirt, 40% road) could be dangerous.

Segments of this route can be ridden two-up for those experienced in riding off-highway with a passenger and luggage. However, we strongly advise against riding the technical sections of this route two-up.

Please don’t go off the route anywhere where it’s gated or signed for seasonal or permanent closures, don’t venture onto private property.

The ORBDR route includes a few instances where the track follows an easement road through private land. In many, but not all cases, the land owners have installed “private land” signs and it is important that riders acknowledge these signs and stay on the designated track. If you are unsure of the land ownership adjacent to the roads, such as outside of national forest lands, it’s best to stay on the track to avoid trespassing. In all cases riders should not ride off the roads which creates new trails and damages vegetation. Please remember that riding off the designated roads can jeopardize our right to use these roads for recreation.

Yes. There may be gates and/or barricades along the route. When you encounter gates, leave them as you found them. If they were open, leave them open and if they were closed, close them again after you pass through. If you pass by ranches, be courteous and ride respectfully. In spring and early summer there may be temporary closures when crews are repairing washouts, downed trees, and other road hazards. If roads are closed due to wildfires, do not ride around the signs as that can put you or fire crews in danger and can get you a hefty fine. Check the BDR website for route updates before you go.

On most BDRs riders will encounter gates across roads and the ORBDR is no exception. These gates are important and are used by ranchers to control and separate herds. The rule of thumb is to leave the gate as you’ve found it. This means that if it was closed when you found it, close it after passing through. If it was open, leave it open. It is important for riders to follow this rule to prevent animal herds intermixing, and respect the rights and needs of private landowners and permittees.

Please abide by posted road closure signs. Ignoring these signs is a sure-fire way of getting a road closed for good. That said, sometimes locals will post unofficial “road closed” signs on public roads for their own personal reasons. Additionally, land managers may not have removed a “closed” sign from a seasonal road – even though the sign right next to it clearly displays the open/closed dates. In these cases, use your best judgment – if in doubt navigate around the closed road and report it to BDR. And please remember never to engage in arguments with local land owners.

Each state has its own recreational fishing requirements and restrictions. To learn about the required licenses and stamps for fishing (and hunting) in Oregon, visit: https://myodfw.com/fishing/licensing-info

We do our best to post the most up-to-date information about the route on ridebdr.com/ORBDR.  We depend on the BDR community to inform us about route and road conditions, so if you encounter any road closures or severe conditions that are worth reporting, please contact us with the information.

There is also a dedicated ORBDR Facebook group page.  We recommend that you join the group prior to your trip to read trip reports and comments from other riders about their experience on the route. Search for: Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR).

Oregon is a habitat for many animals like deer, antelope, bears as well as smaller animals like coyote, porcupines, and snakes — all of which make their way to the road at some point. Be alert everywhere you go as animals can and will cross your path along the route – especially at dusk.

Antelope are known for wanting to race motorcycles, but don’t encourage them. Slow down as soon as you see animals as, for some reason, they like to cross in front of bikes instead of running away from them. Look out for wild horses when you are in open range land.  Appropriate food practices while camping is an absolute must for your safety and the animal’s safety. 

Yield to all animals whether wild, domestic, or livestock by slowing down or stopping. Many locals in rural areas keep their dogs off-leash on their property and dogs love to chase motorcycles – be cautious and considerate.

All of the roads used on the ORBDR are open to vehicles. If you do decide to drive this route you will want a 4×4 with high clearance as the route has deep puddles, large rocks, huge ruts and steep loose grades. Always stay to the right and go slow around blind corners to avoid head-on accidents with others using the roads. We recommend traveling south to north to minimize head-on traffic.

When we filmed the ORBDR documentary our support vehicle remained on major roads as much as possible to keep the dirt roads free from vehicles.

It is absolutely essential that you Ride Respectfully and follow the tips outlined in our Ride Respectfully campaign.  Remember, it’s up to all of you to preserve our access – we can easily lose access to many of these roads if we don’t practice proper etiquette. Always represent BDR and the ADV community in the best light.

Rating the Routes by Difficulty

We often get requests to provide the difficulty ratings of the BDR. We do not officially rate roads or routes because the difficulty can change from day to day depending on weather, changes in road conditions, and road damage caused by a variety of forces including wind, storms, flooding, snow, logging, forest fires and more.

The difficulty experienced by an individual also depends on their off-road skills, level of fitness, stamina, bike size and amount of weight carried on the bike. For these reasons we can’t provide a rating system like a ski resort or OHV park.

We can help you a bit by ranking the existing Backcountry Discovery Routes from most difficult to least difficult. Here is the list: CABDR-South, NEBDR, AZBDR, ORBDR, WYBDR, UTBDR, COBDR, NVBDR, WABDR, NMBDR, CABDR-North, IDBDR, MABDR.

So CABDR-South is the most difficult especially if you ride the expert sections and MABDR is the easiest in general terms. Although MABDR is the easiest there are still a few challenging rocky sections and the several water crossings that can get very difficult if the water is high.

Be sure to also review the FAQ’s for each route and our General FAQs prior to embarking on your trip.

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