Jefferson County kicked off Phase 1 of its long-anticipated all-terrain vehicle road-access program on November 1, opening portions of 42 county roads to Class IV ATVs — commonly known as side-by-sides — in areas near Madras, Culver, and Crooked River Ranch. A second phase is scheduled to launch on January 1, 2027, extending access to additional routes across the county.

The program is the result of Ordinance O-046-26, approved by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners in April 2026. The ordinance — championed by Commissioners Mike Wunsch, Kelly Simmelink, and Daren Tarno — established a legal framework for allowing registered Class IV all-terrain vehicles to operate on designated county-owned and maintained roadways.

Years in the Making

The new access addresses years of requests from recreational riders, ranchers, and rural property owners who wanted legal road connections between private land, trails, and community destinations without the hassle of trailering vehicles from point to point. Side-by-sides have become increasingly popular across Central Oregon for everything from ranch work to weekend recreation.

County staff worked with community members, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and the county road department over several months to identify which roads were appropriate for ATV use — weighing safety, road surface conditions, traffic volumes, and sightlines at intersections.

Rules of the Road

ATV riders using county roads must comply with all requirements under Ordinance O-046-26, including:

  • Valid registration for the ATV
  • Required safety equipment (helmet for youth, appropriate lighting)
  • Adherence to posted speed limits and county road rules
  • Yielding to standard vehicle traffic

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for enforcement. Violations of the ordinance can result in fines.

Phase 2 Coming January 1

The full list of designated Phase 1 ATV roads and the upcoming Phase 2 routes are available on the Jefferson County government website at jeffersoncountyor.gov under the ATV information page, or by contacting the county road department directly. County officials encourage riders to review the maps before heading out to confirm which roads are open during each phase.

The program represents one of the most significant expansions of recreational access on Jefferson County roads in recent memory, and local ATV enthusiasts say it's a welcome change heading into the winter recreation season.