avid snowmobiler here with a question regarding the track system on quads. who do i contact to see if it's legal to ride on the groomed trail system. thanks
info regarding quads with tracks
- Thread starter snowcap
- Start date
P
papa bear
Well-known member
technically it is not legal in WA to ride ATVs or vans or jeeps with four tracks on the snowmobile trails.
The snowmobile trails are for vehicles that powered by tracks and steered with skis.
call the forest service. . . or contact Jet Chev and Dan will give you the story of how the Forest Service tried to have a meeting at the (2010?) snow show to discuss interest in including tracked vehicles in the snowmobile program - to dismal avail
The snowmobile trails are for vehicles that powered by tracks and steered with skis.
call the forest service. . . or contact Jet Chev and Dan will give you the story of how the Forest Service tried to have a meeting at the (2010?) snow show to discuss interest in including tracked vehicles in the snowmobile program - to dismal avail
tracked
I been told at the forest service meeting any road that is snowed in and not locked with a gate for wildlife is good to go on. The groomed trailes are for snowmobiles only.
It is bad in one way becauuse if they could get more $ if they sold snowmobile stickers for them.
I have had several good days but not with a tracked quad. A small snowcat type rig can be bought for about the same as a new snowmobile.
jim
I been told at the forest service meeting any road that is snowed in and not locked with a gate for wildlife is good to go on. The groomed trailes are for snowmobiles only.
It is bad in one way becauuse if they could get more $ if they sold snowmobile stickers for them.
I have had several good days but not with a tracked quad. A small snowcat type rig can be bought for about the same as a new snowmobile.
jim
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The one draw back to the other tracked vehicle idea is some would turn the groomed roads into a shelled out mess probably only the jeep type setups.. NOT bashing any one here,, just stating with limited places one could go with this setup eventually some one would wander off the sides of the road and the carnage would begin.. Here in the west especially up north here there is not a large selection of roads to travel. With that said, one good long drive in skagit valley would be finney cumberlin rd. off south skagit hwy. One other issue would be parking trying to get turned around on some of the roads would be tough.. The road system I mentioned would be a long drive I think if the roads are still open it is possible to ride to the stilly valley or better known as hwy 530.. I don't mean you can drive down to 530 but from one vantage point you can see the white horse store.. That round trip is about 50 70 miles depending on track spin.
here is what I can tell you
on this side of the mountains, like Greenwater, they wont have any problems running them up the groomed trail, Even though they are "technically"" not a snowmobile they are close and do not do any damage to the trail under normal conditions. If they are out tearing up the trail thats going to be another story, on the east side like stampede, Usually they'd be ok, but there are a few officers that go by the book and will issue tickets, depends on the day I guess, I for one think its fine, I do think they should have to purchase a snopark pass and license the vehicls as a snowmobile so that money goes into the grooming program,
my 2 cents worth,
on this side of the mountains, like Greenwater, they wont have any problems running them up the groomed trail, Even though they are "technically"" not a snowmobile they are close and do not do any damage to the trail under normal conditions. If they are out tearing up the trail thats going to be another story, on the east side like stampede, Usually they'd be ok, but there are a few officers that go by the book and will issue tickets, depends on the day I guess, I for one think its fine, I do think they should have to purchase a snopark pass and license the vehicls as a snowmobile so that money goes into the grooming program,
my 2 cents worth,
tracked
Dan
I agree with what you said. after the Jan 15 closing of the gate I haven't been able to get to the 7030 road system. The rocks are to narrow to fit my machinne between . The local cop also informed me "if the gate is closed your out of luck" i have it registered and licenced as a vintage snowmoble and have to snowpark permit.
Jim
I may make it up to the cabin for SAR trainning later this month but not sure.
Dan
I agree with what you said. after the Jan 15 closing of the gate I haven't been able to get to the 7030 road system. The rocks are to narrow to fit my machinne between . The local cop also informed me "if the gate is closed your out of luck" i have it registered and licenced as a vintage snowmoble and have to snowpark permit.
Jim
I may make it up to the cabin for SAR trainning later this month but not sure.
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Coming right from one of the groomers meetings last season, the letter of the law states that GROOMED trails are for snowmobiles only and anything that CAN be registered as anything other than a snowmobile is not truly a snowmobile... in addition, it must also be propelled by a track and steered by skis.
I do not recall if it was one of the folks from state parks, or the local forest ranger for this area, but it was read right off the books last year when there was a big issue here in the Yakima area. If it is a groomed snowmobile trail that is marked as closed to all other vehicles, then you can't use it.... If it is any other road, you may be in luck.
I do not recall if it was one of the folks from state parks, or the local forest ranger for this area, but it was read right off the books last year when there was a big issue here in the Yakima area. If it is a groomed snowmobile trail that is marked as closed to all other vehicles, then you can't use it.... If it is any other road, you may be in luck.
By definition then, no snowcat could be used on a groomed trail as these are not steered by a ski. I for one have no problem sharing the groomed roads with a few snowcats here and there.
I asked the state parks a little more than ago and they said that (as mentioned already) technically it could not be used on trails since it wasn't steered by skis. Not sure how that reconciles with snowcats though. I have heard in Idaho it is a completely different situation. I bet your mileage will vary as far as whether they really enforce it... I have never seen a tracked ATV on the groomed trail system in WA. I can't imagine how the impact to the trails (or anything else) could possibly be any different from snowmobiles.
I will say if it was approved I'd definitely look into it (as I did a year or so ago).
The other thing to consider is the conversion kits that put tracks on the back and skis in the front. Seems like those would be completely legal under the current laws.
I will say if it was approved I'd definitely look into it (as I did a year or so ago).
The other thing to consider is the conversion kits that put tracks on the back and skis in the front. Seems like those would be completely legal under the current laws.
One more thing though. I think it would be really dangerous if we had something bigger than ATVs out there on the trails. If they were trying to legislate something I'd maybe consider a weight limit. A tracked ATV should be ok, maybe a side-by-side, but not more than that.
They tried the tracked Razrs in the Ahtanum last year and they shredded and rutted the groomed surface. Groomer had to make multiple passes to clean it up.
That was enough to make the DNR say no thanks. They dropped from the Cabin on Blue Slide down to the lake and it was a rutted mess. It looked a lot like spring Jeepin ruts.
That was enough to make the DNR say no thanks. They dropped from the Cabin on Blue Slide down to the lake and it was a rutted mess. It looked a lot like spring Jeepin ruts.
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newtrout
Well-known member
There were tracked jeep tracks all over the Manastash groomed trails this weekend. Made a mess out of things. Looks like fun, but I'd have to say they don't belong on the groomed stuff if that is the typical result. They hit a bunch of the ungroomed jeep trails up around funny rocks, too; tore the **** out of them.
Hard to argue against them, when we are trying to keep other motorized use open. But, it's all about a little common sense and courtesy to other users...
Hard to argue against them, when we are trying to keep other motorized use open. But, it's all about a little common sense and courtesy to other users...
Yes, just like anything its all about common sense.
I have a vehicle on Mattracks, and on groomed trails, it doesn't compact the snow down much more than a snowmobile. The track is 16" wide, and has between 1.4 to 3.3 PSI of ground pressure. We're using it to run into the cabin in the winter.
I have a vehicle on Mattracks, and on groomed trails, it doesn't compact the snow down much more than a snowmobile. The track is 16" wide, and has between 1.4 to 3.3 PSI of ground pressure. We're using it to run into the cabin in the winter.
Thread revival
The snow park ranger told my friend today razor with full tracks are not legal in Washington pretty much everywhere and he should return them and get his money back. If that's true that they aren't allowed on snowmobile groomed trails then how is it that the groomer is or any snow cat since there is no legal difference. Ranger also told him it's not legal to get off the groomed trail on your snowmobile ��. I been trying to find the Rcw for awhile now and I can't find that bs he's spewing for that specific area.
The snow park ranger told my friend today razor with full tracks are not legal in Washington pretty much everywhere and he should return them and get his money back. If that's true that they aren't allowed on snowmobile groomed trails then how is it that the groomer is or any snow cat since there is no legal difference. Ranger also told him it's not legal to get off the groomed trail on your snowmobile ��. I been trying to find the Rcw for awhile now and I can't find that bs he's spewing for that specific area.
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A quick search and presto..
RCW 46.04.546
Snowmobile.
"Snowmobile" means a self-propelled vehicle that is capable of traveling over snow or ice that (1) utilizes as its means of propulsion an endless belt tread or cleats, or any combination of these or other similar means of contact with the surface upon which it is operated, (2) is steered wholly or in part by skis or sled type runners, and (3) is not otherwise registered as, or subject to, the motor vehicle excise tax in the state of Washington.
And for the "how is it that the groomer is allowed?" Really??? Just might be that a Grooming permit is issued by the State cover that.
I also agree with Hawgman they tore Ahtanum up last year and would prefer not to have it done again. I also think the extra width of them would make it hard to get past when meeting on some of the trails or corners. Before you say you can just ride around them, think about the older trail sleds out there on the family ride with less capable riders.
I think your missing my point/question. So you buy a snowcat and you want to haul your stuff into your cabin like many people do already, it's according to him it's illegal. To me it's always been no wheeled vehicles. Snow cats don't have skis so I'm still looking for this law verification now that we all know the definition of what a snowmobile is.
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O.k. another quick search and since the area I think your riding in is in Gifford Pinchot National Forest:
"Gifford Pinchot National Forest:
ATV and Snowmobile Road Use
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ATVs converted for use over snow be used on forest roads?
The forest allows operation of motorized over-snow vehicles (such as converted ATVs), including snowmobiles where not specifically prohibited by law or special order (ie, winter wildlife and other motorized vehicle closures, designated Wilderness, and designated groomed snowmobile trails). “Snowmobiles” can be operated on designated groomed snowmobile routes (many are forest roads) designated specifically for this use. Groomed snowmobile routes are closed to all other wheeled and over-snow motorized use.
“Snowmobile” is defined as having skis in the front and a single rear track. Converted ATVs and 4WD do not fit this definition and are not legally operable on groomed routes"
Hope that helps!
P.S. I must say if many people own "Snocats" to get to their cabin I need a better job!
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