For some, the idea of closing off public lands to 4x4s is just peachy. Luckily those folks haven't meddled with the pristine jewel known as "Crusher" in beautiful Tillamook State Forest-not yet, at least. Tillamook is located in northwestern Oregon, just outside of Portland, and for the time being, it houses an extensive trail system that offers enthusiasts a plethora of unspoiled terrain.
Meet the Raven Off-Road Club....
Meet the Raven Off-Road Club. Together these folks have helped secure the future of the Crushers trail, seen here in the foreground.
During the summer months, a small family-friendly group known as the Raven Off-Road Club can be found camping near and traversing the many challenging trails of Tillamook. However, last year it came to the attention of club members that the popular Crusher trail (one of Tillamook's finest) was quickly becoming a destination for a rare minority who didn't respect the rules posted by Oregon's Department of Forestry officials. Fearing the worst, the club got organized and started working to preserve the Crusher's trail for generations to come. Initiatives such as trail cleanups and maintenance work parties were just a few of the activities the Ravens organized. This year, BFGoodrich took notice of the Ravens hard work and decided to honor them for their exceptional contribution to the 4x4 community. The end result: BFG inducted Raven Off-Road Club as well as the Crusher trail into the well-known Outstanding Trails program. As such, BFG invited us out to document the milestone and help convey a message to the masses: Trail conservation is everyone's responsibility.
 Here, club member Bud Respini...  Here, club member Bud Respini demonstrates to others how to attach perimeter logs using a cable choker. This method worked effectively, allowing each rig to drag two to three logs at a time. The logs were placed around the perimeter of the Crusher trail to help drivers locate and avoid environmentally sensitive vegetation and private property. |  Club President Joe Respini...  Club President Joe Respini directs volunteers on where perimeter logs needed to be placed. Much of the work required heavy lifting and negotiating large fields of suitcase-size boulders that make up the Crusher trail. |  A rockcrawler's paradise:...  A rockcrawler's paradise: Crusher is a unique area of Tillamook. Roughly the size of two football fields, the complex features an upper and lower boulder field complete with obstacles ranging from 2 to 5+ in difficulty. |
 This mid-'80s Toyota Pickup...  This mid-'80s Toyota Pickup almost took a tumble on its way back to the log pile. Luckily, we were close by to catch a photo-and more importantly, its driver was able to keep the dirty side down. |  The Ravens spent about four...  The Ravens spent about four hours dragging logs into the Crusher. Some sections required a spotter to help keep things moving smoothly. Lockers and low gearing are required equipment on the Crushers. |  The purpose of installing...  The purpose of installing a man-made perimeter is to define where you can and cannot drive in the Crusher complex. Without these defined boundaries, it is hard for some drivers to know exactly what's off limits. |
 Everybody likes big checks,...  Everybody likes big checks, especially when you don't have to pay taxes on them. This check for $4,000 was given to the Ravens by BFG as part of its Outstanding Trails program. The club plans to use the funds to purchase additional signage, logs, and other equipment to help keep Tillamook's trail system open for everyone to enjoy. |  | |