Washington Backcountry Discovery Route

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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.

WABDR LODGING

Stevenson is the southernmost town on the WABDR and a great place to get fueled up for the long trip to Packwood. You’ll find several restaurant and lodging options in town.

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Stevenson, Washington
Tel. (509) 427-4810

Nestled on five wooded acres catering to those seeking relaxation surrounded by natural beauty and spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Columbia River from the cedar lodge with over 5,000 square feet and a 23-foot ceiling.

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40 N E Second St, Stevenson, WA, 98648

Tel. (509) 427-5628

Nestled in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest off Highway 14 and Interstate 84 near the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

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Packwood has gas stations, stores, restaurants, and lodging.

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Rimrock Lake has several campgrounds and cabins for rent on the north shore just off Highway 12. This resort is open year-round and has a restaurant and a small grocery store with camping items.

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White Pass has a campground and a resort on Leech Lake just north of Highway 12 at the crest of the pass. The inn is open year-round and they have a gas station with coffee, groceries, and deli food.

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Squaw Rock Resort
15070 State Route 410 (about a 1/4 west of Rock Creek Road), Naches,  WA  98937.
Resort Tel. 509-658-2800
Restaurant Tel: 509-658-2111
Lodging (campsites and rooms for rent), Gas Station/Convenience Store, and Mountain Momma’s Home Cooking Restaurant on the same grounds.

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Cashmere has all the services you’ll need before heading up Nahahum Canyon toward the Entiat Mountains.

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The WABDR crosses Interstate 90 at Exit 106 on the outskirts of Ellensburg. At this truck stop, riders can get gas, shop for provisions, get a coffee and a meal, and stay in a hotel if necessary.

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White Aspen Camping
Luxury tents and rustic camp sites

Phone: (509)679-0689

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Winthrop is a small town with western facades and several food and lodging options. This is a side trip from the WABDR.

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Conconully has a lot packed into a small mountain town. They have a general store with fuel, a few restaurants, lodging, camping, and access to two fishing lakes.

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Comstock Motel 110 N. Main St. Conconully
6 unit motel with kitchenettes, wifi and tv
The owner, Sam Martin offers a 10% discount if you mention the BDR.
Phone: 509-826-1272

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WABDR FOOD

Stevenson is the southernmost town on the WABDR and a great place to get fueled up for the long trip to Packwood. You’ll find several restaurant and lodging options in town.

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An ideal location to celebrate either the beginning or the end of the WABDR. The pub is open 7 days a week, and will soon be open 11:30 AM – 9 PM every day. They have outdoor and indoor seating, are family friendly, dogs welcome, and they serve delicious pizza, salads, sandwiches and, of course, beer!

1162 B Wind River Hwy, Carson, WA 98610

Mon – Th 3-9 PM

Fri – Sun 11:30 AM-9 PM

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Packwood has gas stations, stores, restaurants, and lodging.

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White Pass has a campground and a resort on Leech Lake just north of Highway 12 at the crest of the pass. The inn is open year-round and they have a gas station with coffee, groceries, and deli food.

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15070 State Route 410 (about a 1/4 west of Rock Creek Road), Naches,  WA  98937.
Resort Tel. 509-658-2800
Restaurant Tel: 509-658-2111
Lodging (campsites and rooms for rent), Gas Station/Convenience Store, and Mountain Momma’s Home Cooking Restaurant on the same grounds.

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Rimrock Lake has several campgrounds and cabins for rent on the north shore just off Highway 12. This resort is open year-round and has a restaurant and a small grocery store with camping items.

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This pit stop in Nile has a gas station and mini-mart. Unfortunately the restaurant has closed.

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The WABDR crosses Interstate 90 at Exit 106 on the outskirts of Ellensburg. At this truck stop, riders can get gas, shop for provisions, get a coffee and a meal, and stay in a hotel if necessary.

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Iron Horse isn’t making beer to please the critics of the world, they’re making craft beer for people. There are a lot of rules and regulations about how things should be, and when it comes to their beer and their lives, they don’t care about rules. They care about innovation, taking risks, and authenticity.
412 N. Main St
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 834-7838

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Cashmere has all the services you’ll need before heading up Nahahum Canyon toward the Entiat Mountains.

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Tiny Ardenvoir has an important gas station, cafe, and store. Without this fuel the WABDR would be much different. Be sure to stop in and grab some goodies in addition to a gas tank fill-up.

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Winthrop is a small town with western facades and several food and lodging options. This is a side trip from the WABDR.

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Conconully has a lot packed into a small mountain town. They have a general store with fuel, a few restaurants, lodging, camping, and access to two fishing lakes.

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WABDR FUEL

Stevenson is the southernmost town on the WABDR and a great place to get fueled up for the long trip to Packwood. You’ll find several restaurant and lodging options in town.

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Packwood has gas stations, stores, restaurants, and lodging.

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Squaw Rock Resort
15070 State Route 410 (about a 1/4 west of Rock Creek Road), Naches,  WA  98937.
Resort Tel. 509-658-2800
Restaurant Tel: 509-658-2111
Lodging (campsites and rooms for rent), Gas Station/Convenience Store, and Mountain Momma’s Home Cooking Restaurant on the same grounds.

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White Pass has a campground and a resort on Leech Lake just north of Highway 12 at the crest of the pass. The inn is open year-round and they have a gas station with coffee, groceries, and deli food.

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This pit stop in Nile has a gas station and mini-mart. Unfortunately the restaurant has closed.

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The WABDR crosses Interstate 90 at Exit 106 on the outskirts of Ellensburg. At this truck stop, riders can get gas, shop for provisions, get a coffee and a meal, and stay in a hotel if necessary.

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Tiny Ardenvoir has an important gas station, cafe, and store. Without this fuel the WABDR would be much different. Be sure to stop in and grab some goodies in addition to a gas tank fill-up.

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Gas station, cafe and a general store.

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Cashmere has all the services you’ll need before heading up Nahahum Canyon toward the Entiat Mountains.

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Winthrop is a small town with western facades and several food and lodging options. This is a side trip from the WABDR.

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Conconully has a lot packed into a small mountain town. They have a general store with fuel, a few restaurants, lodging, camping, and access to two fishing lakes.

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WABDR MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIPS

Cascade Moto

Tigard, OR 97223

WEBSITE

Cascade Moto is Portland, Oregon's ADV headquarters. Both our Triumph and BMW showrooms stock new and used adventure bikes, parts and apparel, ADV accessories, and more. Both of our locations are near the start of the WABDR and ready to help you make your next ride the best yet. Come stop by our shop and tell us about your next adventure!

CENTRAL POWERSPORTS

Ellensburg, WA

WEBSITE

Central Powersports is a family-owned and operated business and you feel it the minute you walk through the door. The Micallef Family lives and plays in Ellensburg and have spent their lives finding adventure around the northwest!

The entire team at Central Powersports bring their “play hard” experience to help our customers find their next adventure; that could be dirt bikes, mud-flinging fun, snowmobiling, or riding on the open road – Our team has the working knowledge to help you find your fun all year long!

WENATCHEE POWERSPORTS

Wenatchee, WA

WEBSITE

Located in the heart of Washington State, Wenatchee is considered the gateway to some of the best riding and adventure sports in the country. The team at Wenatchee Powersports, each one an enthusiast themselves, will provide you with first-class personal service for your motorcycle.  Their complete lineup of KLIM, Fly, Scott, Giant Loop, and KTM clothing, gear, and accessories are a welcome site for those riding through on the WABDR.  They have a full service shop and carry a complete inventory of tire brands for all makes of motorcycles. The fact that Wenatchee Powersports is located on the WABDR route at the halfway point, and the last shop before reaching the Canadian border, makes it a convenient stop on your WABDR adventure!

WABDR DISCOVERY POINTS

The Chopaka US-Canadian Border crossing is the official northern end of the WABDR. Taking photos near the crossing is prohibited.

Nighthawk is a privately-owned former town on the Similkameen River that you ride by on the Loomis-Oroville Road. No services here.

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Loomis has a Kwik Stop with fuel and provisions if needed. Oroville is another town near the north end of the WABDR that has more services.

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A short side trip leads to two lakeside campgrounds (one is DNR and the other BLM). Chopaka Lake is popular with fishermen (fly-fishing only).

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This hilltop clearing is where the original WABDR geocache was stashed. Even though this is a longer side trip and the views aren’t spectacular, it is still fun to ride.

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Check out the old log cabin and corral near the top of Skull and Crossbones Ridge

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Lone Frank Pass crests a ridge at about 6700 feet. 

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Salmon Meadows has room for many campers on the east side of Thirtymile Ridge.

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Conconully has a lot packed into a small mountain town. They have a general store with fuel, a few restaurants, lodging, camping, and access to two fishing lakes.

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Read about the historic mining town of Ruby at the bottom of the steep Ruby Grade.

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Look for evidence of the old mining operations on the hill above Loup Loup Canyon on this optional side trip.

China Wall takes some searching around to find and the coordinates provided are approximate. These tall granite stone walls were part of Loup Loup, a thriving mining town in the late 1800s.

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Leader Lake is a slight side trip with a campground and is a good place to cool off in the water. It’s a popular fishing hole.

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Winthrop is a small town with western facades and several food and lodging options. This is a side trip from the WABDR.

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Cooper Mountain is one of the most important stops along the WABDR. Ride out to the summit to enjoy the views.

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By now you’ve earned a rest and should take a dip in Lake Chelan. This park has shade trees for taking a siesta and docks for jumping off.

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The Jungle is an abandoned road that’s fighting to stay open. If it’s too overgrown, take the newer main road. But if you have a saw, chop down a few branches as you descend the old road.

Slide Ridge has many viewpoints of Lake Chelan and beyond. Play it safe and stop to enjoy the views.

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A worthy side trip to a fire lookout tower directly above Ardenvoir.

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Tiny Ardenvoir has an important gas station, cafe, and store. Without this fuel the WABDR would be much different. Be sure to stop in and grab some goodies in addition to a gas tank fill-up.

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This hidden shaded spot is a good for a rest and to put your feet into some cool water. Mad River flows through here on the way to its confluence with the Entiat River nearby in Ardenvoir.

Sugarloaf is one of the longer side trip options, but if you like lookout towers and have the time, it’s probably worth it.

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This is one of the best summits on the WABDR. Ride up a short side road to the top. Don’t miss these 360 degree views.

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Cashmere has all the services you’ll need before heading up Nahahum Canyon toward the Entiat Mountains.

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This is a great spot to rest at before descending down into Wenatchee.

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The side trip out to Lion Rock is a must. It’s usually cool at this point jutting out from a long steep cliff.

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A twisty paved backroad ascends up to the top of Table Mountain from the Reecer Creek gulch below.

The WABDR crosses Interstate 90 at Exit 106 on the outskirts of Ellensburg. At this truck stop, riders can get gas, shop for provisions, get a coffee and a meal, and stay in a hotel if necessary.

More views await from the top of the Durr Road which descends into the Ellensburg area.

Baby Head Hill has round rocks the size of baby heads to challenge riders. Stop above the hill to enjoy the distant views.

The WABDR passes over the top of Cleman Mountain to the site of a former lookout tower (since replaced with radio towers) and rewards riders with great views.

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This pit stop in Nile has a gas station and mini-mart. Unfortunately the restaurant has closed.

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Riders should take a quick ride out to more viewpoints along the Bethel Ridge cliffs.

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Try to find this hidden spot that has views and makes a cool camping area.

It’s a fun two mile ride out to the group camp spot at the end of Cash Prairie Road (NF 199). This is also the trailhead for Ironstone Mountain Trail which enters the William O Douglas Wilderness. You’ll want to hike along the ridge from camp to gain even better views.

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Rimrock Lake has several campgrounds and cabins for rent on the north shore just off Highway 12. This resort is open year-round and has a restaurant and a small grocery store with camping items.

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White Pass has a campground and a resort on Leech Lake just north of Highway 12 at the crest of the pass. The inn is open year-round and they have a gas station with coffee, groceries, and deli food.

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Packwood has gas stations, stores, restaurants, and lodging.

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Walupt Lake has a campground just a short ways off the WABDR.

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A short side trip leads to a campground on the shore of Horseshoe Lake.

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Takhlakh Lake is one of the last places to melt out each spring. Here you’ll find a campground with a hiking trail that loops around this small lake.

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A short ride up this side road leads to an open area with views.

On this side trip you can cool off in the Guler Ice Caves which have ice year-round. With a flashlight you can explore inside the caves.

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As you ride up Trail Peak look for a spot to stop and take pictures of Mt Hood to the south.

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We recommend eating and having a brew at the Walking Man Brewery if you are staying overnight in Stevenson before starting the WABDR

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Stevenson is the southernmost town on the WABDR and a great place to get fueled up for the long trip to Packwood. You’ll find several restaurant and lodging options in town.

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This steel truss bridge spans the Columbia River and the state border between Washington and Oregon. This is the official southern end of the WABDR.

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WABDR PACKING LIST

This packing list serves as an example and is not intended to be a complete list for your backcountry riding needs. Feel free to customize this list to work for you.

  • Map holder / map case
  • GPS unit
  • GPS mount
  • Compass
  • Cell phone
  • Phone charger
  • Plug adapter: auto to BMW plug
  • Camera
  • Spot II
  • Notebook
  • Pencil/pen

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route.

The Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR) is a mostly off-road route from Oregon, USA to British Columbia, Canada. The South to North route winds through the Cascade Mountains and some arid landscapes in the foothills of Eastern Washington. The roads include dirt, gravel, and pavement surfaces and may include rocks, ruts, sand, mud and snow depending on time of year and conditions. The route can be completed in 4-6 days depending on pace, and is also accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles, as the entire route is at least double-track.

The WABDR is best from July-October depending on snowpack and weather.

Most people average 150 miles a day on a backcountry motorcycle trip. Plan on doing this route in 4-6 days depending on how fast you want to travel and how early you want to roll out of camp.

We do our best to post the most up-to-date information on our Route Updates Page. We depend on the BDR community to inform us about route and road conditions, so if you encounter any road closures or severe conditions that are worth reporting, please contact us with the information.

There is also a dedicated WABDR Facebook Group Page. We recommend that you join the group prior to your trip to read trip reports and comments from other riders about their experience on the route.

Don’t forget to use our Interactive Map to get route conditions in real time. Read this Article to a quick tutorial on how to use the Interactive Map.

The tracks for the route can be downloaded free of charge online at https://ridebdr.com/download-tracks/ .

Always bring a complete set of maps for the area you plan to ride. They have good information about roads, water sources, and are an indispensible resource when the GPS doesn’t work, or is giving questionable advice. Unplanned events can occur and having paper/synthetic maps of the area can be a life saver. National Forest maps are available at www.naturenw.org and local Ranger Stations. WABDR Butler Motorcycle Maps are available at Touratech-USA and Butler Maps.

The longest gap between gas stations is approximately 122 miles from Packwood to Ellensburg, unless you stop for gas in Nile Valley on Hwy 410. The next longest section is 120 miles between Stevenson and Packwood. Premium fuel is available in Stevenson, Packwood, Ellensburg, Cashmere, Leavenworth, Chelan, Twisp, Omak and Oroville. Low octane gas is available in Carlton, Nile, Ardenvoir and Conconully. The elevation chart on the WABDR Butler Map includes all the mileage details and fuel locations.

Check with local Ranger Stations to determine if campfires are allowed before you build one. Forest fires are a threat during parts of the year and the rules that manage this risk must be followed. Be sure to fully extinguish fires so they are DEAD-OUT. Use water to ensure a fire is fully extinguished and the ground is left cool and wet.

There are many campgrounds and suitable dry camping locations along the route. The Butler Motorcycle Map for the WABDR has a tent icon showing campgrounds on the route and many near the route. The WABDR Butler Map is available through Touratech-USA and Butler Maps. In addition, the WenatcheeOkanogan, and Gifford Pinchot National forest maps show a tent icon for all campgrounds. These maps are available at www.naturenw.org and local Ranger Stations. Make sure to leave all camp locations clean and safe for the next user.

No, you can complete the WABDR using hotels and restaurants fairly easily. Hotels, restaurants and grocery stores are available in Stevenson, Packwood, Ellensburg, Cashmere, Leavenworth, Chelan, Twisp, Omak and Oroville. Limited accommodations are also available in Conconully.

You can find potable water in the towns along the way, or use a filtration system and source the water from creeks and springs along the route. The National Forest maps are a good resource for finding suitable creeks and springs. Choosing a camp location close to a water source is a good idea. It is strongly recommended to have a water filtration solution with you at all times in the backcountry. A filtration solution will allow you to carry less weight on the bike since you don’t have to haul your water. It’s also more flexible if you run into delays or have a mechanical issue along the way. Here is a video on water filtration filmed in the Oregon Backcountry: http://youtu.be/vqOFZAoZdTU

Any GPS unit capable of displaying 10 track logs with a minimum of 500 points each is suitable for use on the WABDR. Garmin models that work best for this application are: Zumo 665/660, GPSMap 60, 62, 76, 78 and 276. Other GPS manufacturers may have units that will work. Check the technical specs to determine suitability.

A discover pass is required on street legal vehicles when using state recreation lands. For more information visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov/faq

Any bike that has a license plate, can run knobby tires and is set-up to carry the gear you plan to bring, and has the fuel range to make the distance between gas stops. Most adventure or dual sport motorcycles will be suitable for the trip.

The WABDR route is designed to be ridden on adventure and dual-sport motorcycles, as well as driven in 4×4 vehicles. There are no single-track style trails on this route. Many of the roads are in remote areas and reach high elevation areas where road maintenance is minimal or non-existent. You can expect to cover sections of road with deep ruts, loose rocks, sand and other challenges. There are also sections that have steep grades combined with rough surfaces. You may also encounter sections that have trees or branches over the road. Some of the roads are overgrown with foliage, but are passable by both motorcycle and 4×4 vehicles. There are alternate “easier” routes around a few of the most challenging sections. Depending on time of year and weather, there may be a few small shallow water crossings, but none worth worrying about. Certainly nothing like the Malheur River on the OBDR (Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route)

Yes, there are several gates on the route. Please make sure to close all gates that you pass through.

DOT approved knobby tires are strongly recommended. Our team members used either Continental TKC 80 or Dunlop 606 tires when we rode the route.

The highest elevations are reached in section 6 where Lone Frank Pass reaches nearly 7,000 feet. The route starts at nearly sea level and brings riders up to 5,000 to 6,000 multiple times on each section.

Much of this route is remote and out of reach for cell phone towers. There will be long sections with no coverage. Your best bet to talk or text is in the towns or on top of mountains. You will be surprised where you get coverage and where you don’t. A satellite communication device is a good idea in the backcountry.

The Nighthawk border crossing is typically open 9am – 5pm seven days a week. The nearby border crossing at Osoyoos just north of Oroville is open 24 hours a day. The US Border Office phone number is (509) 476-2125. Remember to bring your passport if you plan to cross into Canada.

South Sound BMW provides a safe and convenient location to have your bike shipped to the Seattle/Tacoma area. They will allow you to use their shipping dock and warehouse to facilitate the shipping of your motorcycle. In most cases there is no charge for the receiving service. Email service@southsoundbmw.com or call (800) 303-1838 for more information.  Additionally, Motorcycle Shippers provides shipping services within the US.

This advice comes from Rob Watt, BDR Board and Expeditions Member, and Wilderness EMT.

We carry items for wound management, breaks, basic meds and dental.  You can buy a good first aid kit at one of the outdoor stores online or Touratech-USA.  Get one that is an Extended Day Backpacker or 3-4 person kit.  These kits usually have the basics for a motorcycle trip.

They usually don’t have a SAM splint, so pick one of those up along with a couple ace bandages.  One other thing that we do for every multi-day trip, is to gather important information about each rider: allergies, medications, medical issues, emergency contacts, etc.

Then we put that on a master sheet for each person, so if something does happen we have that information handy incase that person can’t speak.  Another good practice is to do a little research of where medical facilities are along your planned route.  Is there a “flight for life” in the area? Where are the hospitals, Medical clinics, etc?

Here is a list of some items that you should have in your medical kit:

  • Bandages: Assorted sizes for small cuts, blisters, etc.
  • 4-inch closure strips or butterfly closures: For closing large wounds. 4-inch strips are more effective than butterfly.
  • 4 inch by 4 inch sterile dressing pads (5 to 10): To apply pressure to a wound and stop bleeding
  • Non-adherent sterile dressing (2 inch by 2 inch): Use these or Second Skin to cover blisters, burns or lacerations.
  • Gauze roll: Holds dressing in place.
  • Small roll of 1-inch adhesive tape: Holds dressings in place.
  • Multi-use tool or knife: Should include knife, scissors. A scalpel and blade are also useful for first aid.
  • Forceps or tweezers: For removing splinters, ticks, and removing debris from wounds.
  • Scissors: Trauma scissors, which have a blunt end to protect the patient, can be used for cutting away clothing from injury, cutting medical tape, etc.
  • Thermometer: Digital is generally more accurate, but batteries do wear out.
  • Malleable splint: Lightweight foam-covered aluminum, such as a SAM splint.
  • Irrigation syringe (35 cc): Used to flush and clean wounds.
  • Suction syringe (65 cc): Used to clear mouth of fluids when giving CPR.
  • Safety pins: Can help remove splinters, fasten arm sling, or make a whole in a plastic bag for improvised wound irrigation.
  • Cotton-tip swabs: For removing  foreign objects from eye, or applying antibiotic ointment.
  • Resealable plastic bags: Many uses, including icing a swollen joint or creating wound irrigation device.
  • ACE, Coban, or other rubberized bandage: Can be used as outer wrap on splints, wound dressings or support for joint injuries. Be careful not to wrap too tightly.
  • Antiseptic towlettes: For cleaning small wounds.
  • Cleansing pads with lidocaine: For cleaning. Includes a topical anesthetic for abrasions, stings, etc.
  • Topical antibiotic ointment: For application to wounds. Simple Vaseline can also be used in dressing a wound.
  • Moleskin: Prevents blisters. Cut and apply a section to your foot as soon as you discover a “hot spot.” Duct tape also works for this purpose.
  • Povidone Iodine USP 10 percent, 1 oz.: For preventing infection. Bottled PVD iodine 10 percent solution should be diluted to a ratio of 1 percent or less for flushing wounds.
  • Aloe vera gel: Found in packets or small bottles for relief of minor burns.
  • Pain relievers, including aspirin and Ibuprofen: Provides relief for minor aches and pains, reduces fever, helps reduce inflammation of sprains and other injuries.
  • Antihistamines: For relief of pollen allergies, or to reduce reaction to bites and stings.
  • Immodium 2 mg capsules or tablets: For relief of diarrhea from intestinal infections.
  • Pepto Bismol or antiacid tablets: For relief from general diarrhea, abdominal upset.
  • After Bite or hydrocortisone cream USP 1 percent: Relieves skin irritation from bites, poison oak, stings, or allergic reactions.
  • Latex or nitrile gloves: Protects against blood-borne diseases and infection.
  • CPR microshield mask: A compact flexible barrier with a one-way valve for rescue breathing, which protects user from blood, vomit or saliva.
  • Oral rehydration salts: Packet of electrolyte salts and glucose for treatment of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or loss of fluids from vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Space bag/blanket: Lightweight emergency shelter. For treating hypothermia victims.
  • Paper and pencil: For recording medical data such as body temperature, pulse, time and date of symptoms, injuries, medicines administered, etc. Most repackaged kits include accident report forms.
  • Wilderness First Aid booklet: Many prepackaged first aid kits contain one. An excellent pocket guide is the Wilderness Medical Handbook

We get this question all the time. Here are some key things to consider as you put together your plan.

All of the BDR routes include intermediate to advanced terrain. If a person is on a large bike twin-cylinder bike like an R1200GS Adventure or Yamaha Super Tenere, the routes can be very difficult. If a person’s skills are not advanced level, they may consider taking a smaller bike or choosing the easier options when possible. A BDR is something a person should build up to and it shouldn’t be their first overnight trip on their ADV bike.

Although, WA and CO are less difficult than UT and AZ,  they all contain difficult sections. We suggest looking at the Butler Map and take the optional easier routes to avoid the difficult sections. Even taking this approach there may be difficult stretches depending on changes in road conditions, weather, construction and the unknown. This is part of what makes it an adventure. Regardless of its description on the map or in the film, no section of a BDR should be underestimated.

Do some shorter overnight trips as practice and ride increasingly difficult terrain to build up your skills and confidence. Also remember that riding with a fully-loaded bike should be practiced prior to tackling a BDR. Lastly, always ride with a group so that you have a team to help overcome any obstacles whether it’s terrain, mechanicals, navigation, medical emergency, etc…

In summary, take baby steps and work up to doing a BDR. Don’t make it your first adventure motorcycle outing on a full-sized twin-cyclinder bike.

Rating the Routes by Difficulty

We often get requests to provide the difficulty ratings of the BDR. We do not officially rate roads or routes because the difficulty can change from day to day depending on weather, changes in road conditions, and road damage caused by a variety of forces including wind, storms, flooding, snow, logging, forest fires and more.

The difficulty experienced by an individual also depends on their off-road skills, level of fitness, stamina, bike size and amount of weight carried on the bike. For these reasons we can’t provide a rating system like a ski resort or OHV park.

We can help you a bit by ranking the existing Backcountry Discovery Routes from most difficult to least difficult. Here is the list: CABDR-South, NEBDR, AZBDR, ORBDR, WYBDR, UTBDR, COBDR, NVBDR, WABDR, NMBDR, IDBDR, MABDR.

So CABDR-South is the most difficult especially if you ride the expert sections and MABDR is the easiest in general terms. Although MABDR is the easiest there are still a few challenging rocky sections and the several water crossings that can get very difficult if the water is high.

Be sure to also review the FAQ’s for each route and our General FAQs prior to embarking on your trip.

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