Fantastic photos! I’ve watched a couple videos of the Washington BDR, but I was wondering if you could share your experience of how difficult the route was and what the “roads” were like in terms of condition, width, obstacles, etc. I’m also curious to hear how many others you encountered on the route. Thanks again for sharing the photos.
Sure thing!
Section 2 starts on a FSR just to the east of Packwood, WA. I met up with a buddy driving his 2022 4R TRD Off-Road (stock), and we headed north on the trail. I was using OnX and my buddy had GAIA, with trails downloaded offline. We also had a Starlink Mini (for setup at camp), and both of us had Garmin In-Reach Explorers.
Initial FSR was double track dirt road, with some occasional small rocks and ruts - nothing difficult and I kept the LC in “Dirt” on the MTS the entire time (no diff locks or 4x4 low). We paused about 30 min into the trail as we headed up Bethel Ridge switchbacks as the route is more narrow (single lane) and littered with moon rocks, aired down to 20 PSI in both trucks (LC on E load Toyo AT3s, 4R on KO2s - stock sizes).
Ride was MUCH smoother after the air down and both trucks handled the route without a single issue. No trans temp issues climbing, no hybrid battery ventilation issues (the LC cargo area was loaded down). Both of us had 85lb tents on top, mounted to the FE factory rack on the LC and to a Prinsu on the 4R. No movement whatsoever on either. I also had a 50lb hitch basket with 8gal of water and two gear tubs on the back of the LC. I used a 4” hitch riser and two hitch stabilizers to prevent any movement. No approach/departure issues at all.
Trail up to Bethel Ridge climbs quite a bit and there are some great camping spots up at 5-6000’. We continue through for a couple more hours before breaking for camp in the high rocky meadows to the east of Bethel Ridge. Plenty of areas to pass other rigs and no points where we had to back up or worry about vegetation pin striping. We saw few trucks and side by sides out as it was opening day of deer season.
Initial impression of Section 2: Easy route with great views of Rainier, but LOTS of dust and no water.
Second day, we continued north to Ellensburg for fuel and groceries. And then onto the FSR up to Lion Rock (you can actually Apple Map your route to this location). The FSR is a single lane asphalt road all the way up to 6000’ so that was a nice break from the dust. Scenery is beautiful but sadly a ton of forest fire burn area. Once you reach the end of the asphalt l, you cut left towards the Lion Rock lookout area. This is a half a mile or so of dirt climbing with some small rocks and ruts. The payoff is fantastic as you level off at a camp plateau at 6500’ overlooking Rainier and the Cascades. There is a pit toilet where the asphalt ends, otherwise it’s in the woods or via a collapsible Amazon special (with biodegradable bags - highly recommend).
We setup camp early the second day at Lion Rock as we had the spot to ourselves. One of the best camping spots I’ve ever stayed at from a view perspective.
Third day we decided to cut Section 3 short as there was a 300 acre fire burning up near Beehive Reservoir and we were expecting trail closures. Plenty of options to re-route west towards and across Highway 97, and much greener (less burn area) than day one and two. We aired back up at 97 and then headed home, with plans of finishing Section 3 and onto 4 next time out.
Highly recommend getting these LCs off the pavement and onto the trail as it’s quickly apparent that’s where they want to be.
Couldn’t be happier with my purchase and now I fully appreciate what this vehicle is capable of.
Pro tip, use seat covers (Kurgo & Amazon specials) to keep the dust out of your seats.
Inverter and all of the other bells and whistles were awesome to use in the wild.
Hope this answers a few questions - hope to see other LCs out there on the WA trails!
