US Northwest June 2020 WABDR - Washington Backcountry Discovery Route

[armyRN]

I may consider getting out there the evening before (especially if the start time is 0800) if there's camping close to there. I'm only about 90 minutes from the bridge (Longview, WA), but I don't want to push it (you never know what traffic might be like coming down I-5 to 205 and on to I-84 on a Monday morning). The first day (section one) is about 119 miles, so I don't want us to get too late of a start.

Do we have a specific place for the rally point?

I agree with separate meals and toilets and a communal campfire.

It'll be interesting to see what's available camping-wise every evening when we stop for the day. That'll be part of the adventure! Flexibility.

 

[Joshua Buss]

I’m starting from seattle but as I work as early as 4am on a regular occasion I’m fine either way. Obviously we will need to make up the time somewhere or push the trip out and extra day. Both work for me as well but lots of people in the group.

 

[Ubiety]

Rallypoint has the start at 8am, any chance we can push that out to noon? I have a 3.5 hour drive to get there, would be nice if I didn't have to start from home at 4am...

Also not sure where every else is starting from, suspect I'm not the only one with a bit of a drive to get to Stevenson.

Where are you coming in from? We are up Seattle way and are planning on heading down the day before and getting a hotel room near Stevenson. Well that was the plan, will have to chat with @Heidi.

 

[Ubiety]

I may consider getting out there the evening before (especially if the start time is 0800) if there's camping close to there. I'm only about 90 minutes from the bridge (Longview, WA), but I don't want to push it (you never know what traffic might be like coming down I-5 to 205 and on to I-84 on a Monday morning). The first day (section one) is about 119 miles, so I don't want us to get too late of a start.

Do we have a specific place for the rally point?

I agree with separate meals and toilets and a communal campfire.

It'll be interesting to see what's available camping-wise every evening when we stop for the day. That'll be part of the adventure! Flexibility.

I believe @oldmopars was wanting to get a group shot on the OR side at a nice sign? I’m ok meeting either side but would not mind a couple trips across the bridge for old times sake. It’s a toll bridge correct? Will we need cash to pay to get across? Both directions?

@armyRN - thanks for lending your experience here!!!

@Joshua Buss we are in Sammamish, let’s chat about caravanning down.

 

[oldmopars]

I believe @oldmopars was wanting to get a group shot on the OR side at a nice sign? I’m ok meeting either side but would not mind a couple trips across the bridge for old times sake. It’s a toll bridge correct? Will we need cash to pay to get across? Both directions?

@armyRN - thanks for lending your experience here!!!

@Joshua Buss we are in Sammamish, let’s chat about caravanning down.

Yes, it is a toll bridge, you will need cash. For cars trucks and SUVs it is $2.
I am also thinking about getting a Hotel for the night, it would be an early morning if not.

 

[armyRN]

The toll is $2.00 going from the OR side to the WA side. I paid cash to a person in the toll booth. I didn't see a toll booth on the WA side; you might have to pay it once you get back to the OR side if going from WA to OR. I don't know if it is more if pulling a trailer (which I will be doing).

And I don't know what hours the toll booth is manned, so you might want to make sure you've got a bunch of quarters in your vehicle just-in-case. That exit isn't the world's busiest place.

There was a Roadway Inn in Stevenson - didn't check to see if they were open or not when I was out there. It is on the east side of town on highway 14 (as you're leaving Stevenson). Stevenson is a very small town - one main street (highway 14) and not far from one end to the other end.

There's also one grocery store in Stevenson ("Select Market") you come to after you've crossed the bridge and are getting into town on highway 14 (it is on the left). That would also be an option for a rally point (granted - not the greatest photo-op place); if folks needed to top-off their coolers they could get what they needed there before the actual meeting time. There's also a gas station right beside the grocery store where folks could top-off their tanks before the meeting time.

 

[Joshua Buss]

I believe @oldmopars was wanting to get a group shot on the OR side at a nice sign? I’m ok meeting either side but would not mind a couple trips across the bridge for old times sake. It’s a toll bridge correct? Will we need cash to pay to get across? Both directions?

@armyRN - thanks for lending your experience here!!!

@Joshua Buss we are in Sammamish, let’s chat about caravanning down.

Sounds like a great plan. I’m assuming you want to get an early start Monday morning and drive down. We can meet at a mutually beneficial location somewhere along the 405.

 

[mtn]

@Greg Eigsti I'm in Bellevue, so just down the road from you. I'm all up for caravanning, we could honk at each other on I-5 to stay awake

Earliest I can leave home is ~11pm on Sunday. Might try that and take a nap before 8am.

Monday could be a short day on the trail anyway, I believe the better camp options are not very close to Packwood and also there are not really any particularly technical sections of part one.

The next good location for a campsite is along Bethel Ridge, and that would make a somewhat longer first day if we choose to take that approach.

 

[MrWilsonWJ]

Hey all, I've been watching this thread on the off chance I might be able to make the trip but I don't think I can. However I was up on Bethel ridge last weekend 5/24 and thought I'd give you a heads up that there is still snow in places and lots of mud. The mud and snow is in the area once you start to veer off of the ridge and into the trees maybe a couple miles long. It isn't a ton and it might be gone in two weeks but it will leave a muddy mess in the areas that were already muddy and rutted. Now don't let me scare you off that section because it is passable, I made it through. You will just need to pick your lines right in the mud and make sure you don't fall into any of the holes. I probably wouldn't have tried it if I didn't have a winch and I don't think a stock or lower clearance rig would have made it, but 3 weeks up there can change a lot. There is a FS rd bypass that is the easy route (FS 1500 off the other side of the ridge into Nile/Hwy 410, 1500 is most likely what you will take off Hwy12 up to the ridge) but it too was blocked by 8-10 down trees in a timber sale area that has signs for no wood cutting 46.73962, -121.13265 . There is a bypass up into a clear cut to get around the trees but you will need some ground clearance, lots of logs and stumps to go up/over/around. I only have 3" lift and 32" tires and I made it through fine, the only part that might be iffy for some rigs is getting on and off the road. Both ends of the bypass have a decent bank with a ditch in the bottom. But again by the time you get there it might be cleared. Whichever way you decide to go, it is totally worth it to get up on the ridge for the view even if you just go up there for some pics and head back down to take the highway around. If you decide to take FS 1500 around the bad parts on the ridge i strongly suggest taking some of the off shoot roads for the views if you have time. FS 199 to Cash prairie and 1504 are good ones, when i was there 199 was block with snow a ways down but worth the short detour and 1504 is closed a little ways in by a landslide but again worth it.

At 46.71207, -121.13820 off of 199


At 46.80136, -121.08040 off of 1504


Also if you're looking for camping near Packwood there is Summit Creek campground (46.70999, -121.53691 ) on FS 4510 off of Hwy12. I haven't been there in a couple years but it wasn't a bad site, not too far off the highway and there should be enough spots for your group. And a cool little waterfall you can walk down to.

 

[mtn]

Thanks @MrWilsonWJ , that is good intel on Bethel Ridge. It's definitely up in elevation and snow can certainly linger in the shade. Might be worth tossing snow chains in the back of the truck next to the maxtrax & shovel, just in case.

As for the logs blocking the bypass, did it look like they were left there on purpose to block access, or was it simply downed trees needing to be removed?

 

[MrWilsonWJ]

No, the bypass for Bethel ridge is a FS road that is always open the down tress were just wind blown so it might be cleaned up by the time you guys are up there. I just didn't want to start cutting anything since there was a sign just before it that said no wood cutting. And for going off trail/road to get around things one of the rangers said technically your not supposed to but if something is blocked and you aren't tearing stuff up or getting crazy they won't mess with you. As for chains I don't see them being needed for the Bethel ridge section, don't know about the rest. I did talk to a guy while up there that said he had ran the section from 410 to Ellensburg the day before and made it. Didn't really think to ask him trail condition since I wasn't going that way, but sounds like you can get through.

 

[oldmopars]

I live not too far from Bethel Ridge(about 10 miles), I go there for a quick weekend or day trip. Last night we had a huge rain storm with really strong winds. I would not be surprised to find out that there are more trees down. We may have to do some trail clean up. I would rather clear the trails than go around, as this will open them up for everyone. Lets be part of the solution.
I have a big winch and an axe, but no chain saw. If others have chain saws, that would help.

 

[Ubiety]

I live not too far from Bethel Ridge(about 10 miles), I go there for a quick weekend or day trip. Last night we had a huge rain storm with really strong winds. I would not be surprised to find out that there are more trees down. We may have to do some trail clean up. I would rather clear the trails than go around, as this will open them up for everyone. Lets be part of the solution.
I have a big winch and an axe, but no chain saw. If others have chain saws, that would help.

Was down in Bend this weekend and we got hammered by said storm; saw a trail of destruction between Redmond and Madras on the trip home yesterday. The sky turned pale green just before it hit, never seen that before. Fun windy drive in the breadbox (JKU) yesterday ;)

Chainsaw, will be bringing an electric with 16 in bar and a few batteries and new chains. A few of us have winches and I got all learned up a couple weekends back on "snatch block tree winching". If someone has a good sharpener I'd love to see it and get a lesson in its use.

@Joshua Buss, @mtn - would love to caravan! Things are still a bit in flux so we will see exactly what happens.

@MrWilsonWJ - thanks for the intel!!!

 

[armyRN]

I went back over to Cascade Locks and Stevenson today... since when I went last time the weather sucked. A few observations/findings:

1. The toll booth is manned 24/7. $2.00 to cross, and another $1.00 per additional axle (so I'll have to pay $3.00 with my trailer).

2. There is a little pull through right before the toll booth, but it isn't something you could really take a group photo at. I'm assuming the actual meet-up place hasn't been posted yet, and since I'm not in charge - wherever the leader decides is where I'll be at the designated time.

3. Cascade Locks is a nice little town (about the same size as Stevenson) on the OR side right at the Bridge of the Gods. They have quite a few motels and such if you wanted to spend the night prior in town, and some places to eat. There's also a little grocery store in town ("Columbia Market Deli and Grocery") in town on the right as you're getting into town. Parking lot would hold a group if you wanted to use it as a meeting place. Or just to top-off your cooler.

4. There's also a KOA campground about 1.5 miles from the bridge in Cascade Locks. It was nice; lots of trees. I spoke with them in person; right now they're just renting cabins ($$$), but come 9 June they may be renting tent sites (~$35 they said). So that might be an option for folks that want to get down there the day prior (Sunday, 14 June) to save themselves a long drive early in the morning on 15 June. Unless the weather is going to suck on the 14th, that'll probably be my plan (provided they're allowing tent camping by then). I know KOAs aren't popular with some of the Overlanding crowd, but sometimes they're perfect for what you need (just an inexpensive place to set-up and sleep for the night with a bathroom and shower facilities). I know on my crisscross the country trip last year I appreciated when I came across a KOA campground when I needed a place to crash for the night.

 

[SCS]

I'll have to duck out Thursday morning and head back to Portland for work. An earlier start on Monday would work best for me but I'll be good either way. Camping sounds like it will be dispersed since the campgrounds are likely to be closed. I agree in separate cooking and basic distancing.

 

[Ubiety]

Hey all, I've been watching this thread on the off chance I might be able to make the trip but I don't think I can. However I was up on Bethel ridge last weekend 5/24 and thought I'd give you a heads up that there is still snow in places and lots of mud. The mud and snow is in the area once you start to veer off of the ridge and into the trees maybe a couple miles long. It isn't a ton and it might be gone in two weeks but it will leave a muddy mess in the areas that were already muddy and rutted. Now don't let me scare you off that section because it is passable, I made it through. You will just need to pick your lines right in the mud and make sure you don't fall into any of the holes. I probably wouldn't have tried it if I didn't have a winch and I don't think a stock or lower clearance rig would have made it, but 3 weeks up there can change a lot. There is a FS rd bypass that is the easy route (FS 1500 off the other side of the ridge into Nile/Hwy 410, 1500 is most likely what you will take off Hwy12 up to the ridge) but it too was blocked by 8-10 down trees in a timber sale area that has signs for no wood cutting 46.73962, -121.13265 . There is a bypass up into a clear cut to get around the trees but you will need some ground clearance, lots of logs and stumps to go up/over/around. I only have 3" lift and 32" tires and I made it through fine, the only part that might be iffy for some rigs is getting on and off the road. Both ends of the bypass have a decent bank with a ditch in the bottom. But again by the time you get there it might be cleared. Whichever way you decide to go, it is totally worth it to get up on the ridge for the view even if you just go up there for some pics and head back down to take the highway around. If you decide to take FS 1500 around the bad parts on the ridge i strongly suggest taking some of the off shoot roads for the views if you have time. FS 199 to Cash prairie and 1504 are good ones, when i was there 199 was block with snow a ways down but worth the short detour and 1504 is closed a little ways in by a landslide but again worth it.

At 46.71207, -121.13820 off of 199
View attachment 156419

At 46.80136, -121.08040 off of 1504
View attachment 156420

Also if you're looking for camping near Packwood there is Summit Creek campground (46.70999, -121.53691 ) on FS 4510 off of Hwy12. I haven't been there in a couple years but it wasn't a bad site, not too far off the highway and there should be enough spots for your group. And a cool little waterfall you can walk down to.

Thank you for the great report! The trip route has been updated with waypoints for the lat/lons mentioned. Thank you!

 

[Ubiety]

I went back over to Cascade Locks and Stevenson today... since when I went last time the weather sucked. A few observations/findings:

1. The toll booth is manned 24/7. $2.00 to cross, and another $1.00 per additional axle (so I'll have to pay $3.00 with my trailer).

2. There is a little pull through right before the toll booth, but it isn't something you could really take a group photo at. I'm assuming the actual meet-up place hasn't been posted yet, and since I'm not in charge - wherever the leader decides is where I'll be at the designated time.

3. Cascade Locks is a nice little town (about the same size as Stevenson) on the OR side right at the Bridge of the Gods. They have quite a few motels and such if you wanted to spend the night prior in town, and some places to eat. There's also a little grocery store in town ("Columbia Market Deli and Grocery") in town on the right as you're getting into town. Parking lot would hold a group if you wanted to use it as a meeting place. Or just to top-off your cooler.

4. There's also a KOA campground about 1.5 miles from the bridge in Cascade Locks. It was nice; lots of trees. I spoke with them in person; right now they're just renting cabins ($$$), but come 9 June they may be renting tent sites (~$35 they said). So that might be an option for folks that want to get down there the day prior (Sunday, 14 June) to save themselves a long drive early in the morning on 15 June. Unless the weather is going to suck on the 14th, that'll probably be my plan (provided they're allowing tent camping by then). I know KOAs aren't popular with some of the Overlanding crowd, but sometimes they're perfect for what you need (just an inexpensive place to set-up and sleep for the night with a bathroom and shower facilities). I know on my crisscross the country trip last year I appreciated when I came across a KOA campground when I needed a place to crash for the night.
View attachment 156873View attachment 156879

Excellent report! Thank you!

I believe that @Heidi and I will get a room the night before meeting up Saturday. Thanks for the Cascade Locks tip!
I am all for @oldmopars idea of squeezing in a bridge crossing but am not married to it. Have not crossed it since I was a kid with my dad, would love to take @Heidi across.

Ok, the elephant in the chat room. I believe that our leader @Bilbo won't be able to attend, we have played phone tag but have not had a good conversation yet. At this point I believe we are effectively leaderless - but we have a lot of strong contributors and a plan so I think that we are ok (thanks everybody for stepping up!). I have been on the road and busy with family and work so I apologize for not taking a more active role lately. I'm more than willing to help make this trip happen and I'm ok with some consensus planning.

 

[oldmopars]

Excellent report! Thank you!

I believe that @Heidi and I will get a room the night before meeting up Saturday. Thanks for the Cascade Locks tip!
I am all for @oldmopars idea of squeezing in a bridge crossing but am not married to it. Have not crossed it since I was a kid with my dad, would love to take @Heidi across.

Ok, the elephant in the chat room. I believe that our leader @Bilbo won't be able to attend, we have played phone tag but have not had a good conversation yet. At this point I believe we are effectively leaderless - but we have a lot of strong contributors and a plan so I think that we are ok (thanks everybody for stepping up!). I have been on the road and busy with family and work so I apologize for not taking a more active role lately. I'm more than willing to help make this trip happen and I'm ok with some consensus planning.

I am also not stuck on the bridge crossing idea. I have done this route before on a motorcycle and have pictures from that trip.
I am also more than happy to help lead.

 

[Hogman]

I can't pass this up! If anyone has any concerns or advice whether a JLUR with a "square drop" trailer would have issues on this, let me know. This would be the first adventure for both vehicles and would love the opportunity to learn from some more experienced overlanders.

 

[mtn]

I can't pass this up! If anyone has any concerns or advice whether a JLUR with a "square drop" trailer would have issues on this, let me know. This would be the first adventure for both vehicles and would love the opportunity to learn from some more experienced overlanders.

JLUR won't have any problems for sure. Had to google square drop trailer - if it's anything like the ones on the pictures it should be fine as well. Especially with something as capable as a Wrangler pulling.

Worst case, if it falls into ruts and have to be dragged out - are you ok with that? If not there will be bypass options.