Know Before You Go – Be Prepared

Forest Roads for the most part are gravel roads in the backcountry and some can get a bit narrow and bumpy but the scenery and destinations are breathtaking!

1. Before heading out on your scenic backroad adventures check with the Darrington Ranger Station for snow levels and road conditions.  It is always a good idea to purchase a Darrington District Map that shows you all of the Forest Roads.  Take the road damage ahead and road closed signs seriously, they are put up for your safety.  Before coming to the end of the road, find a place to turn around while you still can or you could end up backing down a winding narrow gravel road!
2. When heading out for a backroad drive be sure to let someone know where you are heading out to.
3. Don’t take your fancy new zero clearance car up for a spin on a backroad as these are gravel roads prone to having potholes.
4. If you hit snow you have likely reached the snow line level and it will only get deeper!  Good rule to follow for snow driving is always turn around while you can and not when you have to!  By the time you have to stop due to snow, you may find you will need to back out which can be dangerous or you may have to walk and it can be a long way out!  Allow yourself extra time to reach your destination, drive at a slower speed, avoid quick acceleration and turning the wheels hard.
5. There is very little cell service in the backcountry!  From time to time look to see where you might have service, but there is a good chance you won’t have any.  If you know where you have service it could be a shorter walk out in case of a breakdown.
6. Yes you can get a flat tire so check the air pressure in your spare tire, make sure you have a functioning jack and lubricant for lug nuts like WD-40.  Bring a tire pump if you have one, it can male all the difference with a slow tire leak.
7. Be prepared and bring food, blankets, first aide kit, flashlights and always bring plenty of water both for you and in case your vehicle overheats.
8. You are driving in our big neighborhood of wildlife, keep an eye out for them and give them right of way and plenty of time to pass or move away from your vehicle.
9. These remote backroads make you feel like you are the only one out driving that road but you will encounter other drivers and even log trucks at times.   Watch ahead for oncoming traffic and keep an eye out for the wide spots along the road called “turn outs” where you can pull over and let the other vehicle pass.  If you encounter logging trucks these drivers are very skilled and have driven these roads many times.  Find a wide spot and pull over giving the truck the upper slope of the road. t bTake curves in the road slower where there is limited visibility for oncoming traffic.