WA 2021 Summer BDR Run

That is a really hard question, I loved every minute of it, and I think it depends where your usual playground is. Being in Tacoma I'm always out around Mt Rainier and GP so sections 1&2 were less exciting only because they were more familiar. I rarely head East of the mountains so I really enjoyed the change of terrain on that side of the mountains. If you were from Spokane or something, you would probably have a different experience.

It is easy to pick out highlights though. Bethel Ridge, Chumstick, the burn zone climbing out east from Lake Chelan, Lone Frank Pass. Really liked section 6 because we were in a rhythm and getting comfortable with our (at that time) new trucks. Buddy was in a 20' T4R. Also enjoyed section 6 because it felt much more remote than anything previous. I did not enjoy "the jungle" much at all, particularly with all the overgrowth in the heat of summer, I would avoid it if I did the WABDR again. Trucks did great stock, changed my mind on getting a lift after the BDR.

Planning on the IDBDR this August but on my BMW R1200GSA this time.

 

That's fair...I am looking forward to going farther northeast this time as most of my off road adventures have taken place between hwy12 and hwy2.

 

You will like Chumstick and Cooper Mt. and section 6. Section 6 is my normal stomping grounds for hunting and screwing off in the summer. If I never see the sections from Packwood south it wouldn’t be soon enough. That was boring as hell.

 

I ran this last year was a good time and met some cool people along the way.

 

I agree...section 1 should be avoided unless you just want to say you've done them all.

 

I’d avoid Gifford all together. Too many people and just a big dust bowl. Only place I’ve been cut off in the woods for a wide spot at a corner! Dork almost hit me. The views of Adams and the ice caves are cool but camping is out unless reserved months in advance

 

The best part of section 1 was this camping spot we found last year. Plenty of room for a larger group and for some reason not a whole lot of mosquitos like everywhere else (no standing water maybe).

https://www.google.com/maps/place/4...1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d45.9512654!4d-121.6486978

 

Sounds like a sweet spot and close to some cool activities! They were logging in that area when we rolled through so most of the side roads were closed off. I’ll probably give it another chance just have my expectations in check for how close it is to Seattle

 

You have to put the check mark on the section to say you’ve done it and the ice cave is cool, lol, pun intended. If a person was to go dub around in there for a weekend fishing the little lakes it probably would be worth it but as far as bombing through it’s no different than any other two lane logging road I’ve ever been on. That being said it would bug me if I hadn’t done it and put the check mark next to it.

 

How about time frames? July, August, September?

 

Mid July-Early Aug is best for me

 

This timeframe would also be my preferred but I can do any time. Late August and September gets into wild fire season. I couldn't do section 4 last year because of active fires in the area.

 

I might be into this too, I've been cooped up too long the past year

 

Will update the OP as suggestions roll in. Thanks.

 

Maybe I'll lead a small trail clearing group earlier. I know there is a forum on the motorcycle group that had good updates on trail conditions.
May or June time frame will most likely still have snow but that sounds fun to me.

 

I’m good all summer except 7/29 that’s our wedding anniversary, the hall pass is revoked and it would be immediate death for even asking. I probably would be down for an early trail cleaning weekend warrior trip too. We probably won’t get too far if the snow is drifted across the road but it would be fun to try.

 

I’d be down for a cleanup run if you’re open to company. Sounds like a good time to gain some additional trail experience.

 

I've been looking into doing both the WABDR and OBDR for the last couple of years. Is any of it very sketchy? My only concern going solo is not really knowing how intense any of it really gets. I've got about 2.5 inches of lift and upgrading tires soon.

 

You'll be fine. It is all FS roads. The only sketch part is a washout on section 3 (apparently there is a bypass now) but it isn't that bad or challenging.

 

Nice. I've watched some of the videos of guys doing it on dirt bikes show a few area's I'm not sure I'd wanna take the truck being pretty new on the trails.