Recreation Opportunities
The Ogden Ranger District is rich in scenic beauty and natural resources. Clear, snow-fed streams tumble down canyons of the rugged Wasatch Mountains. Many animal species live in the woods and meadows. Deer, moose and elk are often seen.
The Wasatch-Cache is one of the most heavily used National Forests for recreation in the Nation. Campground areas near Ogden are very popular. Those people desiring more solitude will want to head farther into the mountains.
Winter Recreation
Skiers find the "greatest snow on earth" here. Fluffy, dry powder falls for nearly five months a year, creating a winter paradise. Snowbasin Ski Resort, located on National Forest system lands, is just a short drive from Ogden. Snowbasin has been chosen as the site for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games signature events, the men's and women's Downhill and Super G races.
There are many opportunities for cross country skiing throughout the forest with marked and groomed trails available. For the adventurous skier many roads and trails throughout the forest, although they are not groomed, make excellent cross-country skiing. Be aware that avalanches and blizzards may occur with little warning, check weather reports and with the avalanche forecast center listed below before leaving. Always be prepared for the unexpected. Contact the Ranger District for more information. Feel free to contact the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center for current mountain information at the number(s) listed at the end of this page.
During the winter months, a Snowmobile parking area is operated by Utah Parks and Recreation on Highway 39. This heavily used snowmobile area has 65 miles of groomed trail and countless acres of open play areas. Information on current conditions is posted by the local Utah Parks and Recreation office. Call 1-800-OHV-RIDE.
Pineview Reservoir offers a number of excellent locations for ice fishing. Parking can be a challenge since none of the lots are plowed during the winter. The most popular areas are on the west shore at Port Ramp Marina, at the end of 5900 East accessing the end of Browning Point on the north side of the water, and at the end of Cemetery Point in Huntsville.
Summer Recreation
There are many great trail opportunities located on the Ogden Ranger District. A trail for any kind of recreation use you could want awaits you in the mountains around Ogden. This includes hiking, biking, motorcycle riding, horses, ATV, and 4x4's.
Campgrounds-Most individual sites in campgrounds are on a first come, first serve basis with fees that are based on the facilities provided. A percentage of those fees are used for maintaining and improving the campgrounds. Reservations are available for group picnic and camping sites and limited individual camping sites through the National Forest reservation system. Please contact any Forest Service office for information.
Camping outside of campgrounds-Camping is allowed in undeveloped sites in many areas of the forest. Please check with the district for the areas that are open to undeveloped camping and current fire or camping regulations for those areas.
Bluffs and Middle Inlet Swim Beaches have picnic facilities as well as within Perception Park Campground. These are designed exclusively for daytime use. You can use any of the campgrounds to picnic however there is a charge for use of those facilities.
Pineview Reservoir Recreation Area
Pineview Reservoir, located east of Ogden, Utah has a surface area of 2,874 acres. The area receives approximately 3/4 million visitors each year. Uses include: motorboating, sailing, windsurfing, jetskiing, swimming, fishing, water-skiing, sun bathing, camping, picnicking and a variety of other specialized activities.
In 1937 an earth and rock dam, 103 feet high and 550 feet long, was constructed in Ogden Valley under the direction of the Bureau of Reclamation. The purpose of the dam was to control and store Ogden River flood waters. This created Pineview Reservoir with a storage capacity of 44,175 acre-feet. In 1957 an enlargement of the original structure was completed. The 132 feet high and 600 feet long dam increased the capacity to its present 110,000 acre-feet.
The Forest Service began management of the recreation facilities at the Reservoir when a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation was drawn up September 21, 1940.
Scenic Drives
SR-39 from Ogden to eastern Wasatch-Cache forest boundary including the road around Pineview Reservoir. Visitors journeying up this narrow canyon enjoy alpine beauty, excellent fishing and access to the recreational opportunities at sparkling Pineview Reservoir, before the Byway climbs through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest to some of northern Utah's breathtaking viewpoints. The 44 mile Byway requires approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.
Fall colors along this entire road are spectacular. Because of snow conditions, portions of the route are closed in the winter. Dates of closure depend on snow fall.
SR-167 begins in the town of Mountain Green. It continues to Huntsville on SR-39.
Flanked by rolling hills covered in brush and aspen, this Backway provides splendid views of the backside of Mt. Ogden and of Snowbasin Ski Resort and Strawberry Bowl. Surrounding mountain peaks add interest, and wildlife watching opportunities abound. Trappers Loop is a major point of access to Ogden area ski resorts and summer recreation favorites. Trappers Loop Scenic Backway is nine miles long and requires less than 20 minutes travel time.
The road is paved with two travel lands with passing lanes on uphill stretches. The route is open year-round and readily traveled in passenger vehicles.
Hunting/Fishing
State hunting and fishing licenses are required. Specific information can be obtained from:
Utah State Division of Wildlife Resource
515 E. 5300 So.
Ogden, Utah 84405
(801) 479-5143
Watchable Wildlife
Viewing wildlife has increased significantly across America in the last decade and is becoming the primary use of our wildlife resources. North Arm Wildlife Viewing Trail at Pineview Reservoir is featured in the Utah Wildlife Viewing Guide (available at the National Forest offices, visitor centers and local bookstores).
The Ogden Ranger District sites feature a wide variety of wildlife watching possibilities. Several areas have nature trails, with educational signing about the animals you may encounter, others have roadside signing, so that you can watch for wildlife from your car. There is something for everyone, if you wish to be near a campground, or if you prefer the challenge of wilderness or alpine trails, wildlife watching can happen in lots of different ways on the National Forest...we hope you enjoy at least one of the many opportunities available to you here.
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