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The time has come for your epic WABDR adventure! You’re about to dive into some of the best backcountry riding the Pacific Northwest has to offer. But fair warning—this isn’t a ride for the faint-hearted. The Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR) will push you to your limits, and then some.
When you hit gnarly sections like "Baby Head Hill" and "The Jungle," you'll need a whole lot of determination and maybe a touch of blind confidence to make it through. If you’re curious, a quick YouTube search will reveal plenty of dual sport and ADV riders who've been humbled by these tough spots.
"The view from the cockpit of my KLR 650 of Lake Chelan."
If you’re gearing up for a challenge like this and are a little uneasy, consider joining our off-road Training Weekends at one of our training centers. But if you're heading out this weekend and pressed for time, these tips drawn from my own WABDR battles will at least tilt the odds in your favor.
So, let’s jump right in with some quick facts, my top tips, and a few bonus pointers for those of you who enjoy a cold beer and a bit of comfort after a long day’s ride.
Quick Bullet Point WABDR Info:
- Length in miles: The WABDR is 575 miles long.
- Best time of year: June through the beginning of October.
- Length in time: 4-6 days.
- Permits or Passes Suggested: Discover Pass
- On/Off Road: 30/70
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Tips on Conquering the WABDR
1. Pack for a Range of Temperatures
For the most part, Eastern Washington is hot and dry, so a fully protected well-vented jacket and pants should do fine as the gear of choice for the majority of the time.
With that said, you will be in the mountains for long periods of time and when you hit 7,000 feet elevation on Lone Frank Pass during a stint of typical PNW weather, you will be happy you brought an extra layer even in the height of summer.
"View from 5,800 ft on Chumstick Mountain on Section 4 of Washington Backcountry Discovery Route"
For my trip specifically, I went in August and the temperature ranged from mid 80’s to low 50's at night. So your late ride or after-ride portions you will need a thermal layer.
This is a primarily off-road route, so during the day, you should be pretty hot. Especially during more technical sections as you will be riding athletically.
As for insight into my selected gear setup, I wore my Klim Badlands Pro pants along with my Olympia Dakar jacket that I use for summer. With that said, from time to time, either when I was in the mountains or early in the morning, I found myself zipping up all my vents and toughing out a bit of cold from the large mesh vents on my chest.
At camp, it does get fresh, so I’d recommend a nice warm layer for having that after-ride beer by the campfire. If you are looking for some extra gear ideas I wrote a few articles on adv motorcycle jackets and summer gloves suggestions.
2. Don’t Forget Your Washington Discover Pass
I'll be honest, was I ever asked to present my Discover Pass to the forest ranger?
Nope, but that still doesn't mean it couldn't happen. Plus, purchasing a pass is a nod to the caregivers of the land (DNR aka Department of National Resources).
At the time of this article, it is $35 for an annual pass or $11.50 for a day pass. Obviously, the annual pass is the way to go and will give you access to dispersed camping spots and day-use areas.
If you never leave your bike and decide you just want to ride through it all without using the parks and dispersed camping spots, etc., then you don't technically need one.
However, if you do use the parks or dispersed camping and the US Forest Ranger rolls up, you could be in for a $99 fine without the discover pass.
3. When in Doubt, Throttle Out!
If you haven't learned this little mantra yet, I'm glad we said it before you head out on this next adventure. There will be a few sections, like Baby Head Hill section 2 and the Behive washout section 3, where you will need to apply this principle.
Keep in mind, that steady momentum is the key to conquering any hill climb.
4. Bugs, Bears, and Rattlesnakes While on WABDR?
No major bug issues to note on the WABDR. High altitudes, cool temps and full-on motorcycle gear make it hard on pesky bugs like mosquitos. However, it is still a good idea to always pack a small bottle of 30% deet just in case you are hanging by a lake at sunset.
"Bear resting in the distance"
Also, there may be ticks, but I've never encountered them in my 37 years of living, camping, and riding in the PNW. It can be common to see a spider or snake. Most are not poisonous, and they can be easily avoided by ensuring you zip up your tent and check your gear before you put it on.
Things to avoid out here would be Brown Recluses, Black Widows, and Rattlesnakes. However, if you are not lifting rocks, downed wood, or running through a field of tall grass, there is little to worry about.
As for bears and cougars, they will mostly run away as soon as they hear your engine wailing down the trail. However, when dispersed camping in the most remote areas, make sure to store your food away from your tent or hang it by a rope on a distant tree. For peace of mind, you could also grab yourself some bear spray.
Coyotes are the most common four-legged creatures you will probably encounter or hear in the distance.
5. Know Your Gear Before You Go Out
As the sun was setting, I came across a guy who was completely lost. Turns out, he had no idea how to use his newly purchased GPS unit—he'd bought it right before the trip without any practice. Which brings me to this crucial tip:
If you’re new to this or have just picked up some fresh gear, make sure you take it for a spin before the big trip. It’s way better to get lost or discover a gear glitch close to home than out in the middle of nowhere.
6. Carry Enough Water While on WABDR
Once you get into the high desert grasslands, it can become very hot with low access to fresh water sources. I had days of sweat instantly evaporating from the air passing through my jacket.
So much so that I didn’t pee for two days. Even when gulping down my 2-3 liter water bladder every day and drinking beer every night ;)
Dehydration can put you in a fatigued state and is especially dangerous when you are battling multiple technical sections in a row that specifically section 2 will throw at you.
You’ll need all the water and strength to get to the finish line on this day. You can count on that.
I did 3 liters in my Nik Nak Hydropak, which was a good amount to cover me while on the bike.
7. Don’t Pass up the Swimming Holes
If you go during the summer months, you will be hot, and there is nothing better to reduce your body's temperature than a nice cool swimming hole. My favorite occurred right after the first day while staying outside of Packwood, called the Blue Hole.
It’s inside the La La Wis campground, and you can’t miss it. Other good spots to take a dip would be Takhlakh Lake, Rimrock Lake, Lake Chelan, and Palmer Lake.
8. Section 2 Is the Most Difficult
The day starts with some easy pavement along Rimrock Lake but doesn’t let that fool you because once you hit the dirt, you’ll tackle the deepest ruts and the chunkiest loose rock of the whole trip. Combine that with a hot summer day, and you’ll enter the realm of type 2 fun.
With that said, the journey from the radio station on top of Baby Head Hill down to Ellensburg was probably my lowest point during the whole trip.
The day was long, and just when you thought you had gone through the most technical section, there was another wave of them soon after.
Furthermore, the path leading to Baby Head Hill is a series of loose rock hill climbs and false summits that have you guessing when it will end, and then bam, it hits you with the most challenging climb and loose rock as the cherry on top.
My best tip is to psych yourself up for a tough day. That way maybe it won't be so bad :P
"A cockpit view right before Baby Head Hill"
Other tips include the usual; rest up the night before, give yourself extra time, bring snacks, etc. It is the longest section at 122 miles and easily one you will remember for a long time.
For better or worse ;)
9. Don’t Pass Up Red Horse Diner Along WABDR
Located in Ellensburg at the end of section 2, this piece of history is an old American-style diner/gas station chalked full of neon signs and other antique gas station paraphernalia lining the walls without a spot uncovered. They make one hell of a breakfast sandwich as well.
And if you happen to be there on a Tuesday night and crave inexpensive tacos, join their taco night next door at the Nodding Donkey.
10. For Intermediate+ Riders, Sections 3-4 & 5-6 Can Be Done in a Day
Now it’s not for the faint heart, nor is it something I recommend since you will miss a lot of time enjoying your trip. But if you are short on time or are training for the Dakar, sections 3-4 & 5-6 can be combined into one day.
The sections I would least recommend rushing through would be 5-6. As you get close to Canada, the terrain changes to reveal massive mountains and pristine, tranquil lakes you'll want to bask in rather than rushing to beat nightfall.
So if you want to save time, I would say 3 & 4 are the ones to combine. Besides a few fire lookouts and mines (which you can still see but may have to pick one over the other), you'll get to see most highlights from the bike and not feel like you need more time.
11. Leavenworth Is Worth a Stop
I would 100% detour a bit to spend a night in Leavenworth. I mean, it's a Bavarian village surrounded by mountains with plenty of things to do. This is a great spot for much-needed R & R at the end of Section 3.
Having a massive stein filled with weissbier while mowing down a huge pretzel is the rite of passage here. Don’t miss the opportunity.
12. Finding Disperse Camping is Easy on WABDR
If you are a self-sufficient rider and enjoy being away from people, you should have no problem finding campsites on this route.
An excellent place to start is checking out the app iOverlander. However, it’s not great everywhere, and I found its information pretty slim while on the WABDR.
Again, you will easily find many options along the route; the closer you are to the start and end of each section, the fewer you will find, and you will have to opt for something a bit more official.
So if you plan to camp for free, you may have to create a trip that stops in the middle of each section instead of following the section recommendations on the BDR website.
Remember, you will need a Discover Pass if you choose to camp on DNR managed land. However, BLM (or Bureau of Land Management) land is free.
One last thing, always remember when dispersed camping to pack out what you pack in. There will be plenty of opportunities to get rid of trash daily when passing through towns.
13. Best Offline Maps for WABDR or Well, Any BDR
After you’ve downloaded the GPX files, if you don’t have a GPS unit, you are likely using your phone. So a good offline map app is what I would highly suggest. Maps.Me is one of my favorite offline map apps when I’m out riding in the backcountry. I would also suggest downloading Google offline maps as well as a backup.
Gaia GPS and Rever are more moto-centric offline map apps but subscription-based $$. I’ve used both and think the value is there.
14. Check to See if You Need to Carry Gas
I rode a 2000 KLR 650 on this trip with a 3.7 Gallon tank and did not use the extra gas I brought. Although I could sit here and say it’s better to be safe than sorry, I have to argue that carrying too much weight is also unsafe and not very fun off the pavement. So use your best judgment when it comes to calculating your range.
On WABDR, the longest section between gas stations is roughly 120 miles. Most modern-day ADV bikes get around 200-300 per trip, but if you wield a dual sport, I would get out the pencil and start calculating.
Giant Loops Gas Bags and RotopaX Gasoline Pack are the go-to safe options for carrying extra fuel.
15. Be Prepared for These Difficult Highlights on the WABDR
- Section 2- Baby Head Hill with its loose chunk rock. Hard to select a line when every direction is fist-sized rocks. Momentum is key here on this hill climb.
- Section 3 out of Wenatchee is a small section of deep silt that will make you sweat and have you covered in silt.
"The deep silt outside of Wanachee Section 3."
- Section 3 "The Jungle." This I didn’t find too difficult; however, what troubles most people is that it is only two small rut-like tracks for the whole length of the section, and within those, you get some good-sized chunks and soft stuff to deal with—oh yeah, all while going downhill, lol. Not crazy difficult, but likely to keep you on your feet.
BONUS: Places to Eat, Drink, & Sleep Along WABDR
Here are some of my favorite stops for food, drink, and accommodations while on the WABDR.
Cascade Locks
- Gorges Beer Co. - Excellent beer at this three-story brewery.
- Bridgeside - I've been visiting this place with my family for over 30 years. Highly recommend it if you are looking for a solid piece of marionberry pie while gazing at the bridge of the gods.
- Thunder Island Brewing - Tons of seating with a nice upstairs lounge looking towards the river and gorge.
- Thirsty Coffee Bar - High-quality go juice can be found here.
- Best Western Plus Colombia River Inn - Best view of the bridge of gods. Make sure to get a room facing the river.
Packwood
- Packwood brewery- Great outdoor area to enjoy a pint.
- Blue Spruce Saloon- If you like a more local dive feel. A burger and Rainier beer is your ticket to post-ride R&R at this spot.
- Hotel Packwood - A little historic gem along this route that is family owned and operated.
Ellensburg
- Tav Bar and Grill - Dark Divey sports bar with a nice wood interior.
- Red Horse Diner & Nodding Donkey - An old antique gas station with a restaurant attached. If you arrive on a Tuesday, make sure to go for Taco night.
- Iron Horse Brewery - Warehouse with a small tap room (Free popcorn!).
- Hotel Windrow - Best hotel in the area situated in the heart of downtown.
Cashmere/Leavenworth
- The Outpost Saloon (Cashmere): A tremendous pub-style restaurant that makes you feel like you went back in time.
- Rhein Haus (Leavenworth): Nothing like overlooking the platz while mowing down a massive pretzel stien in hand.
- Icicle Brewing Company (Leavenworth): Top-notch beer and a great locally sourced menu.
- LOGE Hotel - A place that caters to the outdoorsy adventure type.
Lake Chelan
- Stormy Mountain Brewing and Local Public House - This one is for meat lovers as they smoke their own meats. Wash it down with some of their high-quality beers, and you are set.
- Layla's Bar + Kitchen - Asian-American infused menu with all-day $4 dollar Rainiers!
- Lakeside Lodge and Suites - If you want to be in the center of the action, then there is no better place than the Lakeside. Great pool, quiet rooms, and complimentary breakfast that will exceed your expectations.
Thanks for reading. I hope I was able to help you prepare for the WABDR. Have a great adventure!
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