Pathfinder I
Thought I'd share my trip from last weekend here. I posted this in the regional NW forum as well.
We completed sections 3 & 4 of the WABDR this weekend. Two rigs, my 5th gen 4Runner and my buddies' 2nd gen Tacoma. Left Friday evening around 5:30 from downtown Seattle to Ellensburg where we began section 3. We relied mostly on downloaded .gpx tracks off Gaia GPS. Initially, we read that there were a couple major washouts in section 3 south of Cashmere, north of Mission Peak that were almost impassable unless you're a GOOD driver. There is a bypass you can take to HWY 97 for those who want to avoid those washouts but that of course would be too boring. The washouts on section 3 turned out to be very simple to get through, no more than 4HI. We crossed them thinking "okay, now where are those REAL washouts everybody mentioned? This can't be it, or can it?". Thanks to the folks travelers before us who helped clear and widen those tracks. The majority of the section 3 &4 were done in 2WD and only exercised 4HI now and then.
Finished section 4 by early Sunday afternoon as we headed down toward Lake Chelan. Overall sections 3 &4 was quite easy. Any 4WD rig would complete this route with ease. I'd say even a 2WD truck with some decent ground clearance wouldn't have many issues either. We did sections 1 & 2 last summer and found 3 &4 a little more less involved as far as skill wise goes. Section 2 is still my favorite by far. We have plans to complete the WABDR next summer by finishing in the ghost town of Nighhawk at the WA/Canada border.
Packed up and ready to leave Seattle for the weekend.
Beginning of section 3 in Ellensburg.
Stopped by Lion Rock for some beautiful sunset poses lol.
Got to camp around 10:00 pm and set up for the night. Next morning we worked some breakfast before we continued section 3.
Working some bacon and chorizo on that Tembo skottle grill.
My girl on egg duty.
Our view from camp.
We completed sections 3 & 4 of the WABDR this weekend. Two rigs, my 5th gen 4Runner and my buddies' 2nd gen Tacoma. Left Friday evening around 5:30 from downtown Seattle to Ellensburg where we began section 3. We relied mostly on downloaded .gpx tracks off Gaia GPS. Initially, we read that there were a couple major washouts in section 3 south of Cashmere, north of Mission Peak that were almost impassable unless you're a GOOD driver. There is a bypass you can take to HWY 97 for those who want to avoid those washouts but that of course would be too boring. The washouts on section 3 turned out to be very simple to get through, no more than 4HI. We crossed them thinking "okay, now where are those REAL washouts everybody mentioned? This can't be it, or can it?". Thanks to the folks travelers before us who helped clear and widen those tracks. The majority of the section 3 &4 were done in 2WD and only exercised 4HI now and then.
Finished section 4 by early Sunday afternoon as we headed down toward Lake Chelan. Overall sections 3 &4 was quite easy. Any 4WD rig would complete this route with ease. I'd say even a 2WD truck with some decent ground clearance wouldn't have many issues either. We did sections 1 & 2 last summer and found 3 &4 a little more less involved as far as skill wise goes. Section 2 is still my favorite by far. We have plans to complete the WABDR next summer by finishing in the ghost town of Nighhawk at the WA/Canada border.
Packed up and ready to leave Seattle for the weekend.
Beginning of section 3 in Ellensburg.
Stopped by Lion Rock for some beautiful sunset poses lol.
Got to camp around 10:00 pm and set up for the night. Next morning we worked some breakfast before we continued section 3.
Working some bacon and chorizo on that Tembo skottle grill.
My girl on egg duty.
Our view from camp.
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