Northwest Oregon is known for rain, salmon, and mud. But on a recent trip to the Brown's Camp OHV Park in the Tillamook State Forest we got to shoot exclusive first-time photos of the biggest rockcrawling trails we have ever seen in the Pacific Northwest. The Crusher trails have just recently opened, but already they are changing the way guys in the greater Portland area are building their rigs. And the coolest part was that a member of the Oregon Department of Forestry staff turned the wheelers onto the area after finding the rock fields on some aerial photographs of the forest. It is logical for them because rock trails have far less erosion and thus are more environmentally sound. Plus they are easier trails to care for, as long as you overlook a few broken mud trucks out experiencing their first rock trails.
We hooked up with a motley crew of wheelers right after the Thanksgiving holiday and went out searching for some good trails to explore. With the newfound rocks, tight wooded trails, and mandatory mud holes there was something for everyone to play in and get stuck in. We ended the day on the famous obstacle known as the Backside of 7-UP. This steep, loose dirt and rock hillclimb denied all attempts the day we were there, though some of the attendees claimed to have easily made the climb before. Even with the many other obstacles and trails we explored that day the new rock fields were what really stoked our fire. With barely a quarter of the field even attempted so far, and even bigger rock obstacles hiding in the nearby trees, this area could easily become another rockcrawling destination. Just don't forget your boots in the rainy season.