Rubicon Trip 2018

Recently Maxx Pehling (our front counter salesman) and Kyle Gibbons (one of our shop techs) ventured out from the Silverdale Northridge4x4 headed out for a trip across the famous Rubicon Trail, probably the most well know trail in the 4WD community. And Epic it was, 850 miles from the Silverdale shop to the trail head, three days on the trail and then the return 850 miles back to Silverdale.

We’ll let them tell the story:

 

Rubicon Trailhead:

First night we stayed at the Loon Lake staging area, the entrance for the Rubicon trail. We met up with the Capitol City Krawlers 4×4 club and hit the trail. Some time was spent taking in the scenery at the granite bowls shortly into the trail. Pushing further we ran Walker Hill, Little Sluice, the Slabs, and spent some time playing in Soup Bowl all on day 1. Eventually we setup with our tents and hammocks right on the edge of buck island lake and enjoyed a nice quiet evening.

The famous Rubicon Trail sign greets us at the trailhead.

 

 

There are always places for poser flex shots and the Currie RockJock suspension flexes like mad!

 

 

Always gotta have the obligatory line-up. This one taken up on the granite bowl.

 

SOUP BOWL

Within a couple hours we were at the infamous Soup Bowl, where flex, wheelbase and the right amount of traction make it possible to look like a rock star!

The Capitol City Krawlers club out of WA was on hand to give us the cheers and jeers as we decided to take on the infamous Soup-Bowl.

 

 

First approach wasn’t bad. Of course the long wheel base and ARB Air Lockers in the Currie RockJock axles turning 40″ Patagonias helped!

 

 

The exit over the top can get pretty hairy, although the Northridge JK felt real stable throughout the obstacle.

 

 

Crawling through Little Sluice.

 

 

Ryan W. climbed up through Stop Bowl in his 2013 JKUR.

 

Buck Island Lake:

The camping at Buck Island is spectacular, so picturesque. It’s definitely something you have to see for yourself.

After setting up camp at Buck Island Lake, we took a well deserved break and enjoyed the views and a few frosty Klondike bars from the ARB Fridge/Freezer.

 

 

Some took the tent route while this year Maxx went for the open air feel of a hammock.

 

Day 2 – Buck Island to Rubicon Springs

Day 2 was a short day. We ran from buck island to rubicon springs and had a great time on the massive rocks as you head down big sluice. Spent the afternoon checking out the springs and dodging rattle snakes.

With camp packed up and cleaned, Kyle and Callie are headed up out from Buck Island Lake.

 

 

Ryan W. from the CCK group coming down Big Sluice.

 

 

Kyle in his heavily modified YJ navigating the big rocks at the top of Big Sluice… those 40″ tires don’t look so big… Rubicon Springs: It seems like too soon and we’re crossing the bridge right before Rubicon Springs and see that sign we’ve been waiting to see!

 

 

Crossing the bridge into Rubicon Springs.

 

 

The sign into Rubicon Springs is always a welcome sight.

 

 

Just like Buck Island Lake, Rubicon Springs have cool views no matter where you look.

 

 

We thought we were in for a nice relaxing eve in camp when this little fella decided to cruise right through our camp chairs and ask for a frosty beverage. Once he found out the cooler was empty he decided to mosey on down the trail.

 

Cadillac Hill:

The next morning, we packed up camp, said goodbye to the springs and headed out for Cadillac Hill.

Getting towards the top of Cadillac Hill, the climb was definitely a highlight of the trip.

 

That Long Drive HOME:

With Mt. Shasta in the distance and the sun setting we get on the road headed home.

 

AND it was all over way too soon… sure, after three days on the trail we were tired and ready for a real shower and our own beds, however it was still a fantastic wheeling trip and we wished we could’ve stayed another three days! For now, it’s time to head back to civilization. -Maxx and Kyle.