The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
One in every 10 acres of land in the US is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Oregon has no shortage of BLM land. Some areas are preserved as wildland areas, some are managed for resources such as trees and minerals, and other areas are managed for their historical or recreational value. Primitive camping is available at many of these sites. Usually, there are no services available except, sometimes, potable water and vault toilets. At Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, stays are limited to 14 days within a 28-day period.
The Virtue Flat Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is part of the Alvord Desert in eastern Oregon. It is a giant outdoor playground for off-road vehicles of all types. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is adjacent to this area and is home to some of the wagons that traversed this path over 100 years ago. Within the boundaries of the OHV area, you can still see 13 miles of Oregon Trail ruts. There also are magnificent views of the Elkhorn and Wallowa Mountains. If you would like to visit some national parks while you're in the area, Mount Rainier National Park in Washington is five hours and 16 minutes northwest of the Virtue Flat OHV Area, and Crater Lake National Park is seven hours and 11 minutes southwest of the BLM site.
This paved trail loops around the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. When the ground isn't wet, it's a fantastic way to see Elkhorn Peak and Rock Creek Butte without getting your shoes caked in mud. This is part of the interpretive trail Geology Walk.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail leads to a portion of the Oregon Trail ruts. It offers expansive views of the Powder River valley. The trail can get muddy and slick after it rains. You'll pass the granite marker placed by Ezra Meeker, an 1852 emigrant.
Length: 0.8 miles one-way
Intensity: Hard
This paved trail passes below a large basalt outcrop. You can take the spur up to Panorama Point, where you'll find an interpretive sign of the historic agricultural processes of the area. Other spurs lead to the Cliff Tungsten Mine and the recreated stamp mill.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
You can stop to enjoy a picnic anywhere within the Virtue Flat OHV Area. But the only picnic tables are located around the Interpretive Center, where you'll also find restrooms. The gravel parking and staging area, located 2.5 miles from the Interpretive Center, also has restrooms.
With over 70 designated routes, Virtue Flat OHV Area is a paradise for off-road motorists of all kinds, including motorcycles, quads, dune buggies, and four-wheelers. You'll encounter mostly hard dirt and rocky trails but also loose dirt and sandy areas. You can enjoy an off-road play area and numerous hill climbs. Oregon ATV permits are required.
Anglers can visit Phillips Lake, which is 40 minutes southwest of the Virtue Flat OHV Area, to catch large- and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, coho salmon, rainbow trout, and black crappie. Smith Lake Dam, 15 minutes southwest of the Virtue Flat OHV Area, is a good place to fish for perch, bluegill, catfish, salmon, and bass.
Thirty-three minutes northwest of the Virtue Flat OHV Area is the Elkhorn Wildlife Area. It is home to Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer, bobcats, black bears, whitetail deer, cougars, wild turkeys, and coyotes.
The Virtue Flat Access Area offers hunters access to private lands within the Virtue Flat BLM boundaries. Big game hunting in this area includes deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and predators. Game birds in the area include Hungarian partridge, forest grouse, and quail.
If you want to experience the luxury of RV camping with amenities, you'll find two campgrounds in nearby Baker City. A-Frame RV Park, which is 12 minutes west of the Virtue Flat OHV Area, offers shady sites with plenty of amenities. The campground has 50 full-hookup sites and ten water and electric-only spots. You'll enjoy showers, laundry facilities, a souvenir shop, and a dog park. You can also stay at Mt. View RV Park, which is only 16 minutes west of the OHV site. There are full-hookup RV sites with 20-/30-/50-amp electricity, Wi-Fi, and picnic tables. The park features a swimming pool and hot tub, showers and restrooms, laundry facilities, and a general store.
When you want to get up close and personal with nature, nothing beats Bureau of Land Management free camping. Free dispersed camping at the Virtue Flat OHV Area is allowed except where otherwise posted. Keep in mind that motorized vehicles must stay on designated routes. Also, no camping or campfires are allowed in the staging area. If you search for "BLM camping near me," you'll find that there are other areas nearby where you can also do primitive camping. Thief Valley Reservoir, located 50 minutes northwest of the Virtue Flat OHV Area, features ten primitive camping sites, a dock and boat ramp, and vault toilets. You can also stay at Pilcher Creek Reservoir, 43 minutes to the northwest of the OHV Area. Here, there are 17 primitive camping sites, as well as vault toilets and a dock and boat ramp. Forty-eight minutes southwest of the Virtue Flat OHV Area is the Southwest Shore Campground. It is located around Phillips Lake and provides 16 campsites. There are vault toilets, but no water available.
One of the biggest things to remember when visiting the Virtue Flat OHV Area is that it is a desert. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water. However, despite it being a desert, the OHV Area is prone to muddy areas, especially in the spring, due to snowmelt from higher elevations. This is a mixed-use area. If on a motorized vehicle, remember that you are sharing this road with mountain bikers, hikers, horses, and livestock. Use caution when cresting a blind hill, turning a sharp corner, and driving in high-use areas.
Be sure to stick to the designated routes, and heed any closed area signs. Bulletins in the staging area will indicate any restrictions, including seasonal fire restrictions. While all vehicles are allowed on all routes, some pose hazards and may require specialized equipment and experienced drivers.
When properly prepared, BLM RV camping can be a fun and affordable experience for the whole family. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Public lands are for everyone to enjoy, so please help protect them. Some areas within the Virtue Flat OHV Area are fragile. To preserve natural habitats, keep motor vehicles on designated routes. If camping, be sure to tread lightly with minimum impact on the natural surroundings. Pack out your trash and dispose of waste properly so that the area can be enjoyed for many generations to come.
The main entrance to the OHV Area is adjacent to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. From Interstate 85, take Exit 302 at Baker City and head east on Highway 86 toward the Interpretive Center. At the Center, turn right onto Ruckles Creek Road and continue on the gravel road for 2.5 miles to the parking area.
Ready to visit the Virtue Flat Off-Highway Vehicle Area Location? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
