Jackson County Deputies Rescue Stranded Dirt Bikers Near Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Oregon- Deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) successfully rescued two dirt bikers stranded on John’s Peak outside Jacksonville on Sunday night. The riders became disoriented and stranded after a dirt bike broke down during inclement weather and difficult trail conditions.

Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) 911 Dispatch received a call from the bikers, who reported being unprepared for the weather, lacking food and water, and having limited cell phone battery. A JCSO Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) deputy familiar with the area responded promptly to locate the individuals.

The deputy found the riders cold and wet but otherwise unharmed. They were transported to a patrol car at the Pair A Dice Ranch Road staging area and reunited with their family. The abandoned dirt bikes were recovered from the trail the following day.

JCSO collaborates closely with the Motorcycle Riders Association (M.R.A.) to patrol and maintain safety across the 1,200-acre network of OHV trails in the John’s Peak area. This incident highlights the importance of preparation for off-highway travel, particularly during winter conditions.

Authorities emphasized several safety tips for trail users:

• Develop a plan before heading out, especially in unfamiliar terrain.

• Inform someone about your intended route and expected return time.

• Carry a fully charged cell phone and be aware of areas with limited reception.

• Ride within personal limits and be mindful of changing weather conditions.

• If lost, attempt to backtrack to a main road instead of venturing further into unfamiliar areas.

The JCSO OHV program operates with funding from the Oregon All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Grant Program, supported by ATV user permit sales and fuel tax revenues.