~.S. Department of the Interior 

ureau of Land Management 

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Protect your public lands 

and resources by staying on 

designated routes and trails! 

The Fort Sage Special Recreation 

Management Area, located in the 

high-desert region of northeastern 

California, provides access to 

over 1 00 miles of roads and trails 

for off-highway vehicles, such as 

motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, 

utility terrain vehicles and fourwheel drive vehicles. 

Fort Sage is about 45 miles north of Reno, Nevada, 

and 45 miles south of Susanville, California. The 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eagle Lake 

Field Office has designated roads and trails within 

the recreation area for use by off-highway vehicles 

(OHV). Vehicle use is limited to designated 

roads and trails to ensure that such use remains 

compatible with other uses for years to come. 

The routes traverse a wide variety of terrain. The 

northern end of Fort Sage is mostly open desert 

consisting of flat and sandy terrain with some 

high-desert sagebrush; the southern end consists 

of a mixture of sandy terrain, hard-packed soil, 

rock, and steep canyons. 

Fort Sage is managed and used for multiple 

activities, such as OHV use, hiking, hunting, 

equestrian use, rock climbing, and wi ldlife 

photography. Visitors are attracted to the area 

because of its unusual weathered granite 

boulders, volcanic outcrops, expansive desert 

vistas, and abundant opportunities for viewing 

wildlife and wild horses and burros. 

Operation and maintenance of the facilities, roads, 

and trail s within the recreation area are provided 

by the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office through funds 

provided, in part, by the California Off-Highway 

Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division. For 

more California State Parks information, visit their 

website at www.ohv. parks.ca.gov. 

Camping 

Please note, camping and campfires are prohibited 

within the Doyle Wildlife Area. However, the Fort 

Sage Trailhead is the most developed area for 

camping and includes picnic tables, fire rings, and 

space for recreational vehicle (RV) parking (no RV 

hookups). Since camping near springs or guzzlers 

wi ll prevent wildlife and livestock from using the 

water source, visitors must camp at least 300 yards 

from any water source. 

Campfires 

Campfires are permitted with a current campfire 

permit, but seasonal fire restrictions may prohibit 

campfires during periods of high fire danger. 

Wildland fires can occur at Fort Sage, so be sure 

your campfire is completely out! To obtain a 

campfire permit or check fire restrictions, call or 

visit the Eagle Lake Field Office. 

Water 

Potable water is not available. Bring plenty of 

drinking water, and be prepared for harsh desert 

conditions. Also, the dumping of grey or black 

wastewater is illegal. 

Wildlife 

Wildlife will eat and scatter unattended trash left 

in staging and camping areas. If trash cans are full, 

please pack your trash out with you. Also, watch 

out for pack rats as they have been known to cHew 

vehicle wires. 

Range cattle may be encountered at Fort Sage yearround. When riding near livestock, don't expect the 

cattle to move for you. Use caution and approach 

slowly. 

Private Land 

By respecting the rights of private landowners and 

obeying posted regulations, the trails through these 

areas can remain open. 

Firearms 

Hunting is allowed throughout the Fort Sage SRMA; 

however, shooting is prohibited within one fourth of 

a mile of developed trailheads. Remember, casings 

are considered litter too, so please pick them up. 

Regulations 

This guide does not include every California OHV 

law. Please remember, it is your responsibility to 

know the laws. For more informat ion, contact the 

California Department of Motor Vehicles or visit 

www.dmv.ca.gov. 

Vis itors are responsible for knowing area rules 

and regulations, which are enforceable under 

the Code of Federal Regulations. Violations 

are punishable with fines up to $1,000 and/or 

imprisonment for up to 12 months. 

Vehicle use is limited to designated routes. 

All OHVs must have a California green or red 

sticker. 

Out-of-state vehicles must be legally registered 

in another state and display a nonresident 

sticker. For informat ion or to purchase a sticker, 

visit www.ohv.parks.ca.gov, or contact them 

directly at (916) 324-4442. 

All off-road vehicles must have a properly 

installed spark arrestor that is approved by the 

U.S. Forest Service and has not been modified. 

It is illegal to ride or drive under the influence of 

alcohol, narcot ics, or other drugs. 

State law requires the use of helmets while 

riding ATVs. 

State law prohibits passengers on ATVs unless 

the ATV was specifically designed for two or 

more people. 

All vehicles must meet state and federal noise 

standards. 

Trail Riding & Safety Tips 

PLAN SMART! 

Purchase and use required safety gear! 

Let others know where you are riding and 

when you plan to return. 

Always plan ahead. Obtain all required 

maps, and bring overnight emergency 

supplies. 

Never ride alone! 

Stay on designated trails. Restoration 

of damaged areas is often paid with tax 

dollars and can lead to trail closures. 

Maintain vehicles and equipment in safe 

and optimal operating condition. 

Act responsibly and have respect for other 

recreation users and natural and cultural 

resources . 

Ride cautiously. Trail conditions change 

constantly, so be ready for anything! 

Sound Compliance Information: 

If your OHV was 

manufactured: Noise Limit 

Before January 1, 1986 101 dbA 

On or after 

January 1, 1986 96 dbA 

If your competition* 

OHVwas 

manufactured: 

Noise Limit 

Before January 1, 1998 101 dbA 

On or after 

January 1, 1998 96dbA 

*Competition OHVs are not manufactured 

to comply with Environmental Protection 

Agency noise or California emission 

standards. Refer to your owner's manual, or 

contact your local dealer to determine the 

designation of your OHV. If you would like 

to set up an appointment to have your ATV 

or motorcycle tested for sound compliance, 

contact the Eagle Lake Field Office at 

(530) 252-5303. 

Doyle Wildlife Area 

Some sections of trails pass through the Doyle 

Wildlife Area. Please obey signs, and stay on the 

designated routes and trails. The Doyle Wildlife 

Area is managed by the California Department of 

Fish and Wildlife in Lassen County. This area is 

made up of 10,740 acres of foothills and scrub, with 

riparian habitat along Long Valley Creek. Vegetation 

includes bitterbrush, curl-leaf mountain mahogany, 

big sagebrush, and California juniper. Many of these 

plant species are important for the diet of the local 

deer population. Hunting for deer, rabbit, waterfowl, 

quail, and dove is permitted during appropriate 

seasons. There are many opportunities to view 

wildlife and birds, to include bobcats, coyotes, 

badgers, waterfowl, and various raptor species. 

Burrowing Owl 

The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small 

ground-dwelling owl that can often be observed 

during the day in the high desert. Burrowing owls 

nest in and use abandoned rodent or mammal 

burrows and can often be seen standing on one 

leg or perched on fence posts, branches, or dirt 

mounds. They have yellow eyes, long unfeathered 

legs, and rounded heads with no ear tufts. 

Burrowing owls are a SLM sensitive species. 

Please protect the habitat of the owls as 

well as other wildlife habitat by staying on 

designated roads and trails. Burrowing owls 

are surprisingly bold and approachable; 

however, please observe them and other 

wildlife from a distance, and do not harass 

or chase animals away. If you do observe 

any burrowing owls or other interesting 

wildlife species, please call the Eagle Lake 

Field Office at (530) 257-0456 or the local 

Department of Fish and Wildlife at 

I 

(530) 254-6808. 

\ 

. 

' 

' . Indian Ricegrass ' Look around and you will Ptobably see Indian 

ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoidek). T.his native 

I' " plant is a perennial cool-season bunchgrass 

The nutritious Indian ricegrass seeds were a 

staple for the American Indians. The seeds 

were once gathered and ground into meal or 

flour and made into bread. Because the seeds 

pi:oduced by the ricegrass ar~ bundant, 

plamp, and nutritious, it is considered an 

excellent food source for wildlife. 

-·" 

Right Rider Etiquette 

The future availability of the OHV trail system in 

Fort Sage depends on you! Always yield to other 

users. Show your respect when meeting others 

by slowing down or stopping. Use hand signals to 

indicate how many riders are behind you. The trails 

within Fort Sage are managed for multiple uses 

and run both ways, so anticipate horseback riders, 

mountain bikers, and other OHV riders coming from 

the opposite direction. If you approach a horseback 

rider, follow directions from the rider, and use 

caution when passing. Please ride responsibly, and 

share the tra ils! 

tread lightly!® 

ON LAND AND WATER 

Tips on Leaving a Good Impression! 

Respect wildlife and plant species-the area is 

their home. Help keep the area open by staying 

on roads and trails. 

Keep your machine as quiet as possible. Noise 

is one of the biggest complaints by landowners 

and other recreationists. 

Do not destroy or remove cultural and historical 

resources. 

Be conscientious and minimize your impact by 

avoiding plants and wildlife, taking your trash 

home, and respecting other users on the trail. 

For more information about the tread lightly! 

program, visit www.treadl ightly.org/. 

For more information contact: 

Bureau of Land Management 

Eagle Lake Field Office 

2550 Riverside Dr. 

Susanville, CA 96130 

(530) 257-0456 

www. b Im. gov/vi sit/fort-sage 

Let someone know where 

you are going and when you 

expect to return! 

Hospital Information 

Banner Lassen Medical Center 

Emergency Room 

1 800 Spring Ridge Dr. 

Susanville, CA 96130 

(530) 252-2000 

Directions: From the Fort Sage OHV area, 

take US 395 N toward Susanville, California. 

US 395 turns into CA 36. Turn right onto 

Ash Street/CA 1 39, and continue on CA 

139. Turn right onto Spring Ridge Dr. The 

building is on the right. 

North Eastern Rural Health ClinicUrgent Care 

1 850 Spring Ridge Dr. 

Susanville, CA 96130 

(530) 251-5000 

Call for hours of operation and directions. 

Renown Regional Medical Center 

Emergency Room 

1155 Mill St. 

Reno, NV 89502 

(775) 982-4100 

Directions: From the Fort Sage OHV area, 

take US 395 South toward Reno, Nevada. 

Take exit 66, Mill St., and keep right at the 

fork to stay on Mill St. The building is on 

the right. 

Contact Information: 

Lassen County Sheriff's Department 

Non-Emergency 

(530) 257-6121 

California State Parks Off-Highway 

Vehicle Recreation Division 

(91 6)324-4442 

California Department of Fish and 

Wildlife, Lassen County 

(530) 254-6644 

ATV Safety Institute 

(800) 887-2887 

Motorcycle Safety Foundation 

(877) 288-7093 

Police, Fire, Ambulance, Emergencies: 

DIAL 911 

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BLM Eagle Lake Field Office 

Off-Highway ' Vehicle (OHV) Areas 

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Fort Sage 

Trail head 

~ lat: 40.060732 

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Raptor 

Tfailhead 

.,, FORT SAGE 

Off-Highway Vehicle Area 

Bureau of Land Management 

Trail Number and Difficulty Level 

0 Easiest 

D More Difficult 

~ Most Difficult 

~ Extremely Difficult 

Routes 

Highway 395 

--- County Road 

Dirt Road 

UTV Trail 

----- ATV Trai l 

Single Track Trail 

········· Non-Motorized Trail 

===== Private Route 

Ra ilroad 

•- •- Fence 

(ii Parking/Staging Area 

(!I!) Restroom 

~ Horseback Riding Trail 

El Hiking Trail 

@ Rai lroad Crossing 

Land Ownership 

C Private/Other 

- Bureau of Land Management 

- Military 

1 2 Miles - State