Last weekend I did a 3 day trip to Foresthill. I only rode 1 day on Saturday. The rains I had heard about in the sierras have not hit the area as it was really dry. The water crossings were only inches deep. That did not mean it wasn't fun. I had a great time riding some of the trails. For me 1, 2, and 3 were all fun. 4 is really rocky as always, and I only rode part of 5 as it was really dusty and had lots of silt. The OHV staging areas were about 1/2 full with a mix of quads and bikes. I saw just a little bit of traffic on the trails. We had the most fun on 1.



It had been a long time since I had ridden in trees like that. My 380 MXC was fine chugging along in 3rd, and if I wanted to pick up the pace I could click down to 2nd.



I did not see any rangers checking for sound or green/red stickers.



Why only 1 day of riding? Well I only had a riding partner one day on Saturday, plus Friday was spent getting there, close to 4 hours from Oakland to the campground. Then Sunday I relaxed at my campsite. The return trip Monday morning took less than 3 hours.



Friday night I went in to Auburn to the Speedway motorcycle races, man that is fun to watch. They used to have it down here at Fremont and in Napa on Saturday nights. It was cool.



I camped at Morningstar at Big Reservoir. I really like that place, especially the hot showers! You can swim and fish in the water, and have a peaceful time in the woods. If you don't want to stay there you can get a day use pass and hang out. Since I don't have an RV to stay in it is the best choice for me. You are not allowed to ride in and out of the campground on the bike, you can push out the gate to the forest road or I just leave the bike in the truck and drive to the staging area.



If you have never been:



The Foresthill OHV area is at the far west edge of the Tahoe National Forest. It is at about 4000 ft. There is a marked trail system for quads and bikes. Some trails are for bikes only. The trails are all 2 way. Most of it runs in trees and can get a little tight handguards are a good idea.



Foresthill has nearly 100 mile OHV trail system suitable for both motorcycles and quad runners. There is little or no four- wheel country on the District. The trail system is mostly easy to moderate routes, with a few miles of difficult, challenging trail to suit riders of all skill levels.



In some cases, the trails cross paved roads.



To get there exit at Foresthill road in Auburn. The ranger station is near the town of Foresthill and has maps. There are supplies in the town as well. Continue 9 miles past the town of Foresthill and just after a sign for the Tahoe National Forest turn left on Sugar Pine Road. Staging Areas to access the trail system are located at Parker Flat/Sugar Pine Staging, on Sugar Pine Road.



There are 2 OHV staging areas along this road, both have toilets and camping areas. It's free to camp there and spend the night. Morningstar campground is just past the OHV staging areas.



China Wall Staging area is located approximately 16 miles east of Foresthill on the Foresthill Divide road, and is the best access for loops 5 and 6, which are motorcycle only. During winter, China Wall is a good place for snowmobile staging.



Links:



Foresthill OHV Map (PDF)



Foresthill recreation



Morningstar campground



Auburn Speedway "Fast Fridays"