The Wider WABDR - Section 4A
Departure Time:
As early as you’re comfortable, allowing for at least 4 hours of trail time in the light.
Vehicle Checklist:
See our Off-Road Gear List!
A saw, chainsaw, and axe are very useful on this route in fall, winter, and spring as downed trees and encroaching brush are common and often easy to clear.
A Garmin InReach or other device for reaching out for help without cell service
Emergency gear for cold weather
A camera or drone is really handy on this scenic drive
DOWNLOAD THE GPS TRACKS AND KNOW HOW TO USE THEM ON YOUR GPS, ON-X, or GAIA!! - https://ridebdr.com/download-tracks/ - I cannot stress this enough. You CAN get lost on this trail!
A physical map as backup: Butler WABDR Map
Dan's Notes:
While all sections of the WABDR are passable by just about any vehicle with moderate clearance and decent tires, this is probably my favorite go-to section and it’s one of the most scenic. It’s a perfect drive for taking the family to play, and there are multiple opportunities to turn around if things get to tough or blocked. You should expect this route to take 2-4 hours in ideal conditions and about 4-6 hours in heavy snow. Your times may vary drastically depending on your skill level or how many times you stop to take pictures.
The Drive:
Coming over Highway 2 or I-90, I recommend dropping into 97 Rock House to start and end your day. They have good food, coffee, ice cream, and drinks with a great location for groups of friends and a friendly staff. It’s the perfect staging ground. Next, be sure to top off your fuel in Cashmere at the Chevron or Shell. If you’re coming from Leavenworth, the Safeway is typically a little cheaper.
As you head up out of Cashmere the trail can be rutted, but look for bypasses as there are typically multiple ways around obstacles on this well traveled trail. I recommend airing down to 15-20 PSI mainly for comfort when the pavement ends, but in snowy conditions you should drop down even lower, to whatever you are comfortable with as a “low pressure”. In the Raptor and Land Cruiser, 12psi worked well at low speed for deep snow.
As you end the drive you can continue on to the rest of Section 4, but you should be aware it will take an extra 4-5 hours if you do, and you will probably get trail stripes in a larger vehicle. You won’t get body damage without being reckless, but keep in mind what I said about the trail stripes if you’re driving a wide vehicle like the Raptor. As I’ve put it on the map, you’ll snake down to Ardenvoir where there is a general store with limited hours in the off season, but they’ve got the basics (but no fuel). I’d head back to 97 Rock House for dinner and drinks to end the day.
