Adrenaline junkies rejoice as new ORV park opens on post

Phil Sussman/Northwest Guardian

It’s loud, dirty and just about the most fun you can have on two (or four) wheels. It’s off-road vehicle riding, and it’s finally at Fort Lewis to stay.

Adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts rejoiced, July 2, at the grand opening of the Northwest Adventure Center Outdoor Recreation Vehicle Park located two miles outside of Scouts Out gate.

“About four or five months ago, our senior NCOs here at Fort Lewis came to us ... (wanting) some creative ways to help Soldiers release their stress when they come back from deployments, help them reintegrate .... into Fort Lewis and get used to being back home,” said Garrison Commander Col. Cynthia Murphy, who was on hand to cut a ceremonial ribbon for the park. “And what better way to do that than with an ATV course.”

Working closely with Northwest Motorsports and Yamaha of North America, several agencies from across Fort Lewis teamed up to create the park in only two months. The most important addition to the trails, formed by years of field training and unauthorized riding, is the placement of signs to guide riders and keep them safe.

“They already had everything (in place),” said Warren Fossum of Yamaha. “It’s kind of like how an artist sees a block of marble. He sees the sculpture ... (and) just has to carve it out. That’s the same thing they had here. The infrastructure was maintained and they really didn’t want to change anything or come in with bulldozers. It’s just a place to ride.”

The park is equipped with two trails; a dirt bike-only and ATV-only trail. Each path is unique with its own array of hill climbs, mud bogs and trail systems among the trees. For variety, the trails can be run in both directions.

Britt Stockrahm, manager of a local off-road racing team, was one of the first riders in line to hit the trail.

“I’m excited that there’s finally a place (on post) to ride,” said Stockrahm, who is also in charge of teaching safety classes for the ORV Park.

In the future, Stockrahm hopes to set up a sand track and team racing events.

The park is open every day during daylight hours and is open to all DOD ID card holders. Before using the park, riders must register and obtain a permit from the Northwest Adventure Center. Two ATVs are currently available for daily rental.

For information, call the Northwest Adventure Center at 967-6263.