Official OSMP "Off-trail" Definition

3. What is considered “off-trail?”

Activities occurring off of a designated trail in a Habitat Conservation Area require an off-trail permit. A visitor is considered "off-trail" if he or she travels off of an OSMP designated trail or designated climbing access.

Unavoidable and incidental activities (e.g., answering nature's call, yielding to a horse, avoiding a hazard on a trail, resting or eating "beside" the trail) are generally not considered "off-trail." Going off trail for lunch, to find a quiet spot or to reach an overlook is considered off-trail.

Rangers will determine the need for a permit based on the specific intent and circumstance of a visitor being off-trail. Examples of activities requiring an off-trail permit include climbing, hiking, photography, running and bird watching.