Gearing up For 10 Day WABDR trip

[raincityrider]

So we are planning a 10 day trip on the WABDR. Just wondering what I "need" to have to get through.

I have a 2010 LX570 mostly stock except for Slee Sliders and Wheels.

Short List:
-Portable Winch
-Jerry Cans, Fuel and Water
-Air Compressor
-Front Recovery points

Dream:
-Slee Rear Bumper
-Rhino Front Bumper
-Skid Plates

 

[spotcruiser]

When do you plan to take the trip?

 

[raincityrider]

Mid June

 

[spotcruiser]

I've driven portions of the route from time to time, mostly in the central to northern legs, but not the whole thing. It's pretty much gravel roads, but there can be significant winter damage (ruts, washouts, downed trees) along the way. In June you might still find snow in shaded areas at higher elevations, especially in areas that skirt Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Table Mtn. We've seen snow of the north side of mountains in the Cascades well into July. I think we had a pretty good snowpack this year, but I don't know where it stands now.

I'd love to join you, if you'd like a little trail company. I have gear to cover pretty much any situation. The core group of seattle cruiserheads that I've always run with have slowly broken up over the last six or seven years, but I might be able to coax a few of them to join in (at least for sections, if not the whole route). Let me know if you'd like company.

 

[raincityrider]

I've driven portions of the route from time to time, mostly in the central to northern legs, but not the whole thing. It's pretty much gravel roads, but there can be significant winter damage (ruts, washouts, downed trees) along the way. In June you might still find snow in shaded areas at higher elevations, especially in areas that skirt Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Table Mtn. We've seen snow of the north side of mountains in the Cascades well into July. I think we had a pretty good snowpack this year, but I don't know where it stands now.

I'd love to join you, if you'd like a little trail company. I have gear to cover pretty much any situation. The core group of seattle cruiserheads that I've always run with have slowly broken up over the last six or seven years, but I might be able to coax a few of them to join in (at least for sections, if not the whole route). Let me know if you'd like company.

Thanks for the info! I will keep you posted on dates.

 

[posgu]

You probably won't need the extra fuel, but I do recommend extra water and/or a way to filter water from lakes and streams as you go. Not a lot of potable water sources on the way, unless you want to purchase it. Recommend bringing a good full size shovel, both for #2 duty & if you get stuck somewhere. Also consider bringing a chain saw if you have one, you might encounter downed trees.

I assume you have a good deflation solution to go with the compressor and decent tires to go with the wheels. In addition to the front recovery points, do you have a tow strap and a rear recovery point? I shackle tow hitch receiver would work well.

In my experience, 5 days is comfortable pace for the entire WABDR, so with 10 days I suppose you're planning more frequent and/or longer stops. Maybe going hiking or chillin' by a lake or two? There are certainly nice places for both. If the weather is anything like it's been this spring in Seattle, don't forget the sunscreen!

 

[PokeyTWA]

Not sure what snow conditions on northern facing slopes will look like then, but I’d recommend adding this to your short list:
- shovel
- snatch strap w/ shackles
- some kind of saw for cutting blow downs. You won’t likely need a full-on chainsaw but a handsaw might come in handy.

A buddy and I tried to run it all in 5 days in early Oct and got tired of the snow by the time we got to Ardenvoir. Hope to get out and run the rest of it this summer.

 

[nw_fj62]

Gaia on a tablet (and a print atlas / maps) are a good combo. Especially with ten days, use the WABDR as a backbone and then go explore off the trail as the mood strikes you.. I've done a couple sections and enjoy the different views of the Evergreen State... Here is a cool fire lookout (off the trail) near Twisp.