Silver Lake Sand Dunes

[OldSchoolin86]

There's a shop right at the gate that sells the flags. The park is very specific on what type you need. Also the sound requirements are pretty lax as long as you aren't blipping the throttle in the parking lot. In other words, don't give them a reason to check.

[Smashin Jack]

There's a shop right at the gate that sells the flags. The park is very specific on what type you need. Also the sound requirements are pretty lax as long as you aren't blipping the throttle in the parking lot. In other words, don't give them a reason to check.

I can tell you from personal experience that spark arrestors and loudness levels are often checked 100% at the entrance gate. They try to put a stick up your pipe. If it goes, you're NOT getting in. Also, regardless of how lightly you ride in the parking lot, they can and will pull you over as you try to get thru the gate with a decibel meter if they are checking that day. I'm just telling you this because I've had to pay top dollar to have custom work done to my pipe on my KTM400sx, at a race shop there, in order to get into the park for the day. Just be prepared, that's all I'm sayin...

[Ryan.]

I can tell you from personal experience that spark arrestors and loudness levels are often checked 100% at the entrance gate. They try to put a stick up your pipe. If it goes, you're NOT getting in. Also, regardless of how lightly you ride in the parking lot, they can and will pull you over as you try to get thru the gate with a decibel meter if they are checking that day. I'm just telling you this because I've had to pay top dollar to have custom work done to my pipe on my KTM400sx, at a race shop there, in order to get into the park for the day. Just be prepared, that's all I'm sayin...

hmm when my brother went there a few years ago they only checked if he had a spark arrester, no sound check....... but that was like 3 years ago also

[Smashin Jack]

hmm when my brother went there a few years ago they only checked if he had a spark arrester, no sound check....... but that was like 3 years ago also

I haven't been there in four years. Trust me, though. Sometimes they don't check sound, sometimes they don't even check for spark arrestor. But, make sure you're legal or at least have the legal equipment with you so you can get on the dunes. There's nothing worse than driving all the way there and not being allowed on after paying for the park sticker and all. That spark arrestor rule is stupid. We're talking about riding on pure sand, which isn't flammable last i checked, but because it's a state park, state park vehicle rules apply even if they don't make sense...

[JohnR.]

Bring some steel wool with you. If you fail for noise, take the spark arrestor screen out, put a little steel wool in the pipe, and put the screen back on. Its an old hot rod trick that guys used to use when their exhaust was too loud for inspection. We tried it last time we were there when one of the guys with us had a 400EX with a Pro Circuit pipe/silencer/arrestor and he was too loud. It worked like a charm and once he got out there we removed the steel wool. If the guy at the gate remembers you he'll usually only check you once for the day. My 250R with a new Duncan Fatboy and a Sparky spark arrestor just made it through.

John

[OldSchoolin86]

I can tell you from personal experience that spark arrestors and loudness levels are often checked 100% at the entrance gate. They try to put a stick up your pipe. If it goes, you're NOT getting in. Also, regardless of how lightly you ride in the parking lot, they can and will pull you over as you try to get thru the gate with a decibel meter if they are checking that day. I'm just telling you this because I've had to pay top dollar to have custom work done to my pipe on my KTM400sx, at a race shop there, in order to get into the park for the day. Just be prepared, that's all I'm sayin...

They do check all for spark arrestors from what I've seen too but I still say the sound requirements are very lax. It takes too long to check everyone's db level. The only ones that I seen checked for sound were the ones that couldn't take it easy in the parking lot. One guy that rode with us even got checked because he was revin' it up in the line (you know who you are.... lol). He wasn't even the loudest but he got stopped and rejected because of his actions. Of course all he had to do was wait till a shift change and went right on through the line again, taking it easy, with no problems. If they took a db meter out on the dunes and checked everyone they'd have to kick half the crowd out.

[300rman]

so, the permit is available at the gate. how about the ORV sticker? available at the gate or something i have to get at a Michigan dealer?

[300rman]

so, the permit is available at the gate. how about the ORV sticker? available at the gate or something i have to get at a Michigan dealer?


and how is the riding up there? are there huge rolling hills? any pics guys?

[Smashin Jack]

It looks small on the map but it's huge. And Lake Michigan looks gorgeous from the tops of the big hills. The directional zone in the lower right of the map is where the biggest hills are. They are too big to allow bi-directional traffic. People would by dying every 5 minutes if they didn't enforce the one-way policy.
The michigan orv stickers can be bought in town at most gas stations. Getting an orv sticker will not be a problem. Here's a topographical map:



Here's a photo from the entrance looking at Test Hill (1st hill, and the biggest.)

[Gag_Halfront]

So, the website says opening day is 1 Apr. That said, when should we get a ride together? 1 Apr? 5 Apr? 12 Apr?

[Dammit!]

Here's a photo from the entrance looking at Test Hill (1st hill, and the biggest.)

Man tha pic really makes me appreciate Glamis.

[JohnR.]

SHOWOFF!

We're just starting to plan a trip out there for late September. I'll start my own thread when I have more info.

John

[Gag_Halfront]

Will these tires work OK at Silver Lake or would I just be wasting my time?

[dizasterzrfun69]

hey while we're on the "will these tires work" subject, how would 22" pro-wedges do at silver lake on an 85 R? I've never been there and have never rode sand dunes for that matter.

[JohnR.]

Will these tires work OK at Silver Lake or would I just be wasting my time?

I'm not an expert but when we went out the first time, my buddy tried running his 20" Holeshots. He gave up after the first day and bought paddles at the dune shop.

John