Hi,

I am taking my 1997 Discovery on the WABDR (http://www.wabdr.com/) late summer 2012. I have never run this route, or any for that matter. The truck is well-maintained (lots of maintenance and upgrades in the last 1.5 years).

Has anyone run this or a similar route, and if so, what would your checklist look like in terms of gear, food, planning, etc.

Thanks in advance!

- Chris

Hey Chris,

My biggest recommendation for this route would be proper navigation equipment and good tires, as there are sections in central WA that will test your sidewalls (sharp rocks).  I'm not saying you need to run beefy mud terrains, just that balding street tires aren't a great idea.  I like AT's for this type of travel, myself.  The WABDR runs through areas where a lot of the NWOS runs take place, so don't be too alarmed about your tires, but be prepared for dust and rocks :)

Are you running this alone?

The route itself isn't technically difficult, though keeping a good attitude towards road closures, washouts, etc. helps immensely.  There are parts of this route that will probably be a little overgrown (particularly the southern portion and from what I hear areas north of Chelan) but the roads are pretty straight forward, provided you have appropriate navigational tools and experience.  We hit snow on the southern portion last July, but were able to reroute easily.

The route has plenty of stops at population centers, so fuel and supplies aren't a huge issue, but a loose plan on how many miles you want to do in a day and where you want to top off is a good idea.  I would recommend doing it over as many days as possible, as there are some great areas to camp out and explore.  Just because you can go farther or hit your day's objective early doesn't mean you should always continue on.  This is a very relaxing route.

Also, unless you're trying to get away from people altogether, I'm willing to bet there are some folks that would probably be willing to join you for sections or all of the route if you wanted.


Looking forward to your trip planning!


Mike

(Here's an example of the rocky roads... the rider pictured will remain anonymous to protect the innocent, and frankly, not so innocent):

Thanks, Mike!

I am going with at least one friend, and between the two of us, we should have plenty of GPS equipment; the tracks for the route are already on my device. Excellent advice, btw!

I have a fair amount of tread on my tires, but they are at least 8 years old (low-mileage driving), so I may put a new set on before the trip; probably some BFG A/Ts or equivalent.

My plan is to get as far as I can without rushing things over 4-6 days. I figure if I don't make the entire route this time, then there is more to explore on another trip next year. I also enjoy taking photos with my 35mm, so there will likely be lots of stopping to get good shots. It's good to hear that the route is primarily casual and littered with good spots to stop and enjoy.

As for fuel, I was thinking of carrying a jerry can of gas as insurance if were to miscalculate and get too low.

As I get closer, I will post the exact dates in case anyone else on the forum is going to be in the area and wants to meet up on the route.

Cheers and thanks again for the response!

- Chris

Sounds like you're covered.  I ran Overland Navigator and had printed copies of the Motor Vehicle Use Maps that you can download online, as well as some USFS maps.

Other than making sure you've got a Northwest Forest Pass and a Discovery Pass, it's a pretty easy trip to plan.

Oh yeah... make sure you've got batteries for your camera, cause there are some awesome views.

I want to make that WABDR run someday. I've done the central part of Route 3 of the OBCDR in the central OR Cascades. You'll love the trip.

I ran WABDR last summer (all except the most northern portion) pulling a trailer. Overall, it's a fantastic drive. Trail conditions can change, but there are a few spots to consider...

Bethel Ridge area (north of Hwy 12) was under quite a bit of mud. Prepare to use the bypasses (if they are available) or possibly have to winch yourself out. I was there mid-late July and it was still muddy, I imagine later in the summer it would have been dried out.

The section just south of Lake Chelan was heavily overgrown...think single track. I don't know how to post video here, but it was...fun... Wasn't especially dangerous (except the 1000' dropoffs right next to you behind those overgrown trees you can't see through), but will most definitely leave your truck with trail scars :)

As has been said, take your time, stop and take lots of pictures. I did the 1st part solo and the rest in a group (Mike was part of the group), but I would have been comfortable solo the whole way (good pucker factor in places though). I had new BFG A/Ts, glad I did, the rocks are sharp!

I seem to remember running out of spirits at one point in time... I would suggest you plan and pack accordingly.

 I will be sure to pack plenty of beer. :)

Dates?

Are you planning on doing it N to S, or S to N?  Wanted to do this last year on the Dakar, but ran out of time and injured my shoulder.  Don't think the old airhead/hack combo would do well in the rocks.  So, I may be very interested in doing this in the 4Runner with my son.  Won't have a winch on this vehicle so am looking for a serious come along.  Have all the other recovery gear.

A small group of us are running the WABDR prior to the Overland Rally and plan to stop there after completeing the route.