Originally posted by OptBlackNite:
From all the pics that I've seen from Walker I can say that I'm a little intimidated by the thought of going there. I drove around once in my girl's 4runner but I didn't do anything. I know that my Jeep can't do most of what I've seen.
You should have tow points front and rear. A winch for every 3 or 4 vehicles (capable of winching others) with appropriate snatch blocks, cable, and other recovery equipment is a good idea.
I've managed to do (and really enjoy) Jeep Trail, Poop Chute, the Fin, Pat's Trail, Second Chance, part of Bigfoot...until the mud got too deep...as well as Jeep Cross and Lower Jeep Cross (with some deep water/mud). My '98 XJ has a 2" suspension lift and 30" BFG MT's.
I've found that there is much more risk of damage in the shoulder seasons with slick mud/snow and the very tight trails that comprise most of Walker Valley.
I haven't tried Expressway - only watched others thrash their trucks on it - or luckily get through unscathed. If you haven't got at least 32" tires, good articulation and some kind of traction device then you'll be winching up Expressway - I've watched some very built trucks winching up in any event on wet rock days. On longer wheelbase vehicles, rocker protection is mandatory - unless you don't care about your rocker panels or you've got lots of clearance. TJ's with OEM side steps will likely lose them somewhere on the trails.....the 6" lifted TJ on 35's in front of me still lost his passenger side step on the ENTRANCE to the park (the legitimate front gate by-pass that's supposed to help people decide if they really want to try to conquer the trails in the park).
Driver error is often the cause of damage, but plain old "luck" plays a large role at Walker Valley. Going with a small group who aren't too testosterone challenged/enhanced (depending on your point of view) and willing to take their time helps avoid damage.
It's a great OHV park. One that shouldn't be missed if you enjoy the challenge of our northwest trails and can afford the risk.
If you're concerned to the point that you won't enjoy the day, wait 'til summer and some dry weather. The difficulty changes quite dramatically when you have a little more traction.
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DMMcG
'98 XJ