ORBDR 1 & 2 in May?

LoveTribeOverland

LoveTribeOverland

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Vancouver, Clark County, Washington, United States
First Name
Michael
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Love
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44121

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Army National Guard
Has anyone traveled the new ORBDR in the spring? I know the high country will still be snowed in in May but we are looking to hit the southeast sections in May during Memorial Day Weekend.
I'm wondering what I can expect for trail conditions? Is it still going to be super muddy by end of May?
Hoping the hive mind can help me out here.
 
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I'm of no use for tail updates but I know the Ridebdr website has a link to their facebook page and says there are updates on there. Might check around the web for any other adventure bike groups that might have something posted up about it. Looks the southern sections are free of snow and you won't hit any until section 4, Sunriver to Sisters. Some friends and I are doing a heavily modified versions of the ORBDR this fall so I've been reading up on anything I can before we go. If you come across any cool points of interest along the way I'd love to hear about them.
 
MrWilsonWJ said:
I'm of no use for tail updates but I know the Ridebdr website has a link to their facebook page and says there are updates on there. Might check around the web for any other adventure bike groups that might have something posted up about it. Looks the southern sections are free of snow and you won't hit any until section 4, Sunriver to Sisters. Some friends and I are doing a heavily modified versions of the ORBDR this fall so I've been reading up on anything I can before we go. If you come across any cool points of interest along the way I'd love to hear about them.
Click to expand...

Yeah I've been scouring the net... scouting via YouTube... most people run it in late June or July... but I don't know if it's because 1&2 aren't passable or if it's because that's when 4&5 open up.
Section 1 seems to also be the most challenging and remote so not many people run it... definitely not many 4wheel rigs as near as I can tell.
I've done 3 through 7 so these two will complete it for me. They are really great routes... through some really incredible backcountry.
Id definitely make some time for Newberry crater/Paulina lakes, skylight caves, Detroit Lake and Ollalie Lake area. Definitely do the Olallie harder loop... doable in a 4x4 but definitely more moderate.
Section 7 is a grind... lots of washouts, rocks, narrow shelf roads... the longest 70 miles you'll run... but worth every bit of it.
 
PNW has had some recent storms that effected Oregon. I have no info to offer but I would bet money that sections of the route will be impassable for at least another month.
 
lolzhax said:
PNW has had some recent storms that effected Oregon. I have no info to offer but I would bet money that sections of the route will be impassable for at least another month.
Click to expand...

When you say impassable what do you mean? Snow? Mud? Have you done these portions of the ORBDR? According to info I have the route is clear of snow.
 
Maybe contact local 4x4 clubs/groups on facebook or web and ask and maybe get current conditions......

Be safe, Have fun!

Jim
 
LoveTribeOverland said:
Has anyone traveled the new ORBDR in the spring? I know the high country will still be snowed in in May but we are looking to hit the southeast sections in May during Memorial Day Weekend.
I'm wondering what I can expect for trail conditions? Is it still going to be super muddy by end of May?
Hoping the hive mind can help me out here.
Click to expand...
You might get on the ORBDR FB page and ask about the conditions.

Facebook

www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
 
Kent R said:
LoveTribeOverland said:
Has anyone traveled the new ORBDR in the spring? I know the high country will still be snowed in in May but we are looking to hit the southeast sections in May during Memorial Day Weekend.
I'm wondering what I can expect for trail conditions? Is it still going to be super muddy by end of May?
Hoping the hive mind can help me out here.
Click to expand...
You might get on the ORBDR FB page and ask about the conditions.

Facebook

www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
Click to expand...

I did post in the ORBDR for 4x4's group... but I cannot find a page for the ORBDR?
 
Kent R said:
BDR website
ridebdr.com

Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR) - Backcountry Discovery Routes

The Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR) will be the 12th route developed by the BDR organization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel.
ridebdr.com ridebdr.com

OR BDR FB page

Facebook

www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
Click to expand...

Also checked there... which is notoriously NOT useful.
There hasn't been an update since beginning of Winter 2024.

I was kinda hoping to generate some conversation with some boots on the ground folks... people who may have attempted it this early and what I can expect... there is absolutely no current information anywhere.
 
Sent a map message out the the area with the link to this post. Lets hope someone gets back to you.
 
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I live in Christmas Valley and all the wet spots are now dust. Weather has been sunny and windy, both of which dry things out very quickly. Hope that info helps some.
 
cruiserpotamus said:
I live in Christmas Valley and all the wet spots are now dust. Weather has been sunny and windy, both of which dry things out very quickly. Hope that info helps some.
Click to expand...

That helps a LOT... mud has been a concern for me as you know there are some significant silt beds out there that can get pretty nasty when wet.
Thanks!
 
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