White River National Forest Warns Drivers to Avoid Mud Before May 21 Opening

Sam Massman, the White River National Forest’s recreation program manager, issued a warning that translates to a simple instruction for locals: don’t drive your Jeep into a mud pit just because the calendar says May 21.

The official start of motorized vehicle and mountain bike season in most of the White River National Forest is Thursday, May 21. That’s the date on the press release. In practice, it’s a suggestion.

“Conditions vary, and not every road opening for the summer season on May 21 will be dry or passable,” Massman said. “Especially given the high number of trees that blew down over the winter and the recent moisture.”

Let’s look at the logistics. Some Forest Service roads opened early this year because the ground stayed dry. Others won’t open until June, blocked by snow at higher elevations. You can’t force a road open if it’s still buried under three feet of snow or if it’s a soup of mud and debris from winter storms. The Forest Service is asking visitors to be patient while crews clear downed trees. If you drive on wet, muddy roads now, you’re not just getting stuck; you’re damaging the infrastructure. You’re turning a passable gravel road into a rutted mess that takes longer and costs more to fix.

The rules for what you can ride are specific, and ignorance isn’t a defense. Off-road and off-trail travel is prohibited for all motorized and mechanized vehicles on the White River National Forest. It is your responsibility to know where you are. If you’re on a trail, check the map. If you’re not sure, assume you’re not supposed to be there.

E-bikers, pay attention. In national forests, e-bikes are considered motorized vehicles. You can only ride them on roads and trails designated open to motorized vehicles. Regular mountain bikes can go on trails and roads where mechanized use is permitted. The distinction matters. If you strap a motor to your bike and ride it on a single-track trail meant for foot traffic or non-motorized bikes, you’re violating federal rules.

The Forest Service released maps to help locals navigate this. You can find them at FS.USDA.gov/r02/whiteriver. But don’t just look at the lines. Look at the conditions. A road marked “open” might be closed today due to a washed-out bridge or a pile of downed trees that crews are still clearing.

For the folks living around the White River National Forest, this isn’t just about recreation. It’s about access. When you drive over muddy roads, you compact the soil and damage the surface. That means more maintenance for the Forest Service. It means potential closures later in the summer. It means longer drives for everyone else trying to get to their trailheads or hunting camps.

Massman’s quote about minimizing damage is the key takeaway. Avoid muddy roads. Let them dry out. Let them harden. If you drive on them now, you’re accelerating the wear and tear. You’re making the experience worse for everyone who follows you.

The season starts May 21. But the roads don’t all open on that day. Check the conditions. Check the maps. And for the love of local infrastructure, don’t drive on mud just because you can.