Place

Gate Creek OHV Staging

Gate Creek OHV Staging on Forest Road 48 is the main access to the Rock Creek OHV Area, with a large gravel lot and a small, basic campground.

Representative photo, not this exact spot. Photo: Natalia Kretinina via Pexels · Pexels License

Gate Creek OHV Staging is the main entry point for off-highway vehicle riders heading into the Rock Creek OHV Area, in the Hood River Ranger District. It’s on Forest Road 48, a little east of Rock Creek Reservoir and Sportsman’s Park, with a large gravel parking area.

A small campground is part of the site, with fire rings, picnic tables, a trash can and a vault toilet. Services are basic compared with fully developed campgrounds, and there is no drinking water, so bring plenty for everyone in your group.

Getting there

  1. Along Forest Road 48, just east of Sportsman's Park and Rock Creek Reservoir.

Parking

Large gravel parking area.

From the Forest Service

Rules and restrictions

Class 1 and Class 3 ATVs only.
The OHV trail system closes for the season beginning December 1 through March 31 to help protect winter range animals. Contact the Barlow Ranger District for current status.
State of Oregon Rules for OHV Use apply.

All fees

No fee to use campground or trailhead.

Passes and permits

All riders are required to have a State of Oregon Safety Education card in their possession and a current state of Oregon ATV permit, or state of reciprocity, decal on their OHV.

Ranger office

Barlow Ranger District
Address: 780 NE Court St Dufur, OR 97021
Phone: 541-467-5100
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)

Details from the official Forest Service page, a public-domain U.S. government source.

Last checked November 4, 2026