WA Back Country Discovery Route (BDR) - Recommendations

[agjake01]

Hi all - planning a couple of days on the WA BDR next month in the LC and looking for recommendations.

Considering sections 3-5 if anyone has a great camping and/or fishing spot to share? Any general advice?

I’ll be hitting it up Columbus Day weekend with a 4R buddy if you’re out on the trail.

 

[DenisLM]

I need to do this route, but feels you have a good couple days driving

I only keep in the stampede pass area
Please report back your finding specially the LC performance!

 

[agjake01]

Just got back this afternoon after 2 days on section 2 & 3. The LC is a beast and handled everything effortlessly. 150 miles of dirt and I absolutely love this truck.

 

[jnsplace]

I absolutely love these pictures. And it was a beautiful weekend too, lucky dog. Love the smiley face on the brake lights. Well done.

 

[agjake01]

I absolutely love these pictures. And it was a beautiful weekend too, lucky dog. Love the smiley face on the brake lights. Well done.

Thanks!! I can’t wait for the next chance to hit the trails.

 

[jmika003]

I've been watching some YouTube videos and starting to think about tackling a section or two next year. Please report back if you do end up going!

Edit: Whoops, just re-read your latest post and realized you did tackle a couple of sections. Looks like you had a blast!

 

[msenske]

Just got back this afternoon after 2 days on section 2 & 3. The LC is a beast and handled everything effortlessly. 150 miles of dirt and I absolutely love this truck.

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.

 

[agjake01]

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!

 

[trek805]

Best pics ever !!

 

[msenske]

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!

Thank you so much for the incredible summary of your trip! I've been considering doing the Washington BDR, but wanted to learn a bit more about the specific types of roads/terrain to expect. I'm glad to hear the Land Cruiser performed so well. Based on this feedback, I'm definitely going to put it on the list.

 

[thognar]

Thanks for the summary and photos. I'm looking forward to moving back to the PNW in a year or two. Looks like that will be a fun trip.

 

[DenisLM]

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!

Excellent write up!

Is the section 2 doable as day trip?
I want to do some sections of the BDR but no real intention to spent the night as I don't find it very safe to do alone.

 

[agjake01]

Excellent write up!

Is the section 2 doable as day trip?
I want to do some sections of the BDR but no real intention to spent the night as I don't find it very safe to do alone.

Yes, you can definitely do one of these sections as a day trip. Just start early and plan a highway route back to your starting point. For planning, most of the route speed is 10 - 20 mph.

Definitely more fun with multiple vehicles and radios but running it solo might save you from sucking in 15lbs of dust. (I’ll be changing my cabin and engine air filter this weekend)

Need to set up a group trail run in WA sometime!

 

[DenisLM]

Yes, you can definitely do one of these sections as a day trip. Just start early and plan a highway route back to your starting point. For planning, most of the route speed is 10 - 20 mph.

Definitely more fun with multiple vehicles and radios but running it solo might save you from sucking in 15lbs of dust. (I’ll be changing my cabin and engine air filter this weekend)

Need to set up a group trail run in WA sometime!

Nice!
The few friends I had that used to do this trails moved to other state so most of my runs I'm alone or with the wife and dog.

I'm totally up for those easy non-pinstriping daytrips.
I need to find more people that do that locally.

 

[agjake01]

Nice!
The few friends I had that used to do this trails moved to other state so most of my runs I'm alone or with the wife and dog.

I'm totally up for those easy non-pinstriping daytrips.
I need to find more people that do that locally.

You’re not far down in Maple Valley, I’m up in North Bend. I’ll let you know next time we head out, might be next season but definitely looking forward to it! - Jake

 

[n0m@d]

150 miles of dirt

150 miles for 2 sections? Have you covered those on single fuel tank? Did you use 2400w power outlet? I’m tempted to take a similar trip, really curious about fuel situation out in the wild… My paranoia says that I need at least 2 5 gallon jerry cans and 2 spare wheels

Btw great write up and thank you for sharing your experience!

 

[agjake01]

150 miles for 2 sections? Have you covered those on single fuel tank? Did you use 2400w power outlet? I’m tempted to take a similar trip, really curious about fuel situation out in the wild… My paranoia says that I need at least 2 5 gallon jerry cans and 2 spare wheels

Btw great write up and thank you for sharing your experience!

Fuel will not be an issue for sections 2 or 3. I took a 2.5 gal jerry can but opted not to fill it based on listed route mileage. I filled up in Packwood the first morning and then made it all the way through Section 2 to Ellensburg, and then a detour to Cle Elum and back before refueling in Ellensburg and on to Section 3. I wasn’t able to finish Section 3 due to fires but I have no doubt I could have made to Cashmere or Wenatchee with room to spare.

Tires handled the trail very well and I didn’t baby them, no cuts or chunks out of them. On a positive note, the rocks make for great leveling shims.

The inverter was awesome but I also took a Jackery 1000+ as we wanted to field test the Starlink mini. I used the inverter directly for a 1500w electric burner to cook meals on, and then charged the Jackery while we were on the trail. We ran the Starlink, phones, watches, kids switches, and even a projector off of it for a movie (and football) under the stars. Starlink provided 100-180Mbps consistently and we used just under 20gigs over 3 days. Pretty cool device.. Bottom line, the inverter worked great but the Jackery enhanced the setup.

Also tested out the Viair 88P on both trucks. I used it with the rear battery terminals to pressurize my Waterport, and on the front terminals to air up the tires. The Viair took all (8) tires from 20lbs to 38lbs in about 15 min, with no shutoff or overheating.

Don’t be afraid to get out there, just have a plan and prepare. The truck is solid and it’ll take care of you!

 

[agjake01]

Some video from the trail: