Washington Backcountry Discovery Route

PLEASE READ THE WHOLE POSTING BEFORE SIGNING UP AND ASKING QUESTIONS IN THE COMMENTS.

This August we are going to head to the northwest for back to back Oregon and Washington BDRs. Oregon ends where Washington starts. I have not ridden either of these routes yet and am super excited to check them out. Last weeks New Mexico BDR lit the fire under my ass to get up there! My understanding is the Oregon is one of the more challenging routes they have put together, and Washington is on the easier side. You do not need to attend both to come to either one.

Since I will be in Oregon, riders will need to coordinate the ride to Washington themselves. Please use the comments section below and not the group messages to plan. I think Hood River would be a good place to plan to group up for the start of Washington. Please make you reservations at hotels on your own. We will plan to start the Washington route Monday the 7th from Hood River.

IMPORTAINT!!! Washington Requires a permit to cross state lands. Each rider must purchase this additional tax on their own. It can be purchased online at https://store.discoverpass.wa.gov/

Like all BDR Routes, these ARE NOT BEGINNER RIDES as they are best suited for full size ADV bikes carrying a weeks worth of provisions. If you are an intermediate rider a smaller bike might suit you best.

At the end of the Washington BDR there is some talk of hitting a few sections of the Idaho BDR North to South on the way back to Denver. Nothing is set in stone but if anyone wants to plan for that please let me know.

From RideBDR.com https://ridebdr.com/wabdr/

This 575-mile route thoroughly explores the Cascade Mountains beginning in Stevenson, WA and making it to the Canadian border at Night Hawk. Views of the massive volcanic mountains from the dense forest in the southern part of the route are stunning and the open arid pine forests of the central part of the route showcase the diversity of Washington. The route just seems to get better each day as you head north and into the high-mountain areas beyond Lake Chelan.

It takes most people about 5-6 days to complete the route and there are some easy alternate sections to get around difficult stretches. There are many great camp spots along the way for those looking to rough it. The route also works well for those looking to stay in hotels or to do a little of both.

Best time of year: June through September is the best window for the Washington route. Snow in the mountain passes can block riders from completing the route early and late in the season.

The longest gap between gas stations is approximately 122 miles from Packwood to Ellensburg,

All bikes must be plated and in good working order with fresh, knobby tires, oil changed and checked, chains in good condition and all lights working. Please bring a tool kit specific to your bike and spare front and rear tubes (even if you are tubeless- No exceptions), as well as extra RocStraps or other tie downs to hold on anything that yard sales!

Pack light, These bikes are heavy enough! We will plan to camp about 50-70% of the time and hotel every few nights as the opportunity and need arises. We will get meals and supplies in towns as we go thru/camp nearby.

Kickstands up at 9:00am if camping and 8:00am from Hotels!

To cover group operating expense and ensure those who sign up actually attend, all multi day rides have a $100 sign up cost. This is a “self guided” adventure and all riders should have gps and/or maps.

Please call with any questions 970-308-0374

Adam Animal