What’s on the Agenda?
At the Northwest Overland Rally, we bring together some of the overland world’s top travelers, instructors, vendors, and a huge variety of individuals, couples, families and friends, who want to learn new skills, meet vendors, make friends, be inspired, win prizes, and have a great few days camping and chatting in the beautiful little town of Plain WA, nestled in the Cascade mountains close to Seattle.What can I do there? Everything from 4WD training to wine-tasting, here’s a list.
Community
Welcome to the Family! A place where everyone is included in the fun. You have a huge 6×6 overland rig? Awesome! You have a little 2WD wagon? Still awesome! It’s not about the vehicle, it’s about where you go and the fun you have along the way!
Where to Stay
Camping on the field is the best way to get to know everyone. Grass sites near a crisp cool river. Meet your neighbors, enjoy happy hour, nightly campfires, and morning exercise! But if you’re not ready for camping yet, that’s OK, there are hotel options a few minutes away.
Come and meet exhibitors from across North America who supply the Overland, Travel, Camping and Adventure sectors.
Check out the latest gear firsthand to ensure it’s right for you before you buy it!
What can you do at the Overland Rallies?
Welcome Cocktails
Join us for welcome cocktails on Thursday night! It’s a fun way to settle in and learn more about your new friends and neighbors. Lots of the vendors also offer beers, sodas, or cocktails at their booths each evening.
Nightly Campfire and Raffle
Every evening we give away a huge selection of fun prizes around the campfire, everything from winches, roof-top tents, driving lights, luggage, camping gear, skid-plates, recovery kits, and lots of cool clothing.
Presenters
In addition to the wonderful trainers leading classes, each evening we have presentations and Q&A sessions with inspiring and entertaining travelers. Past rallies have included the Expedition Overland crew, the couple who have traveled in La Cucaracha for the last 15 years, Camel Trophy driver Jim West, and Adventurer Scott Brady. This year’s lineup will be just as good as ever.
4WD Trail Drives
The trail runs are led by wonderful volunteers. With easy trails or hard, you can choose your level of adventure. Spots will be available to register on the field.
4WD Instruction
Certified 4WD instructors will be teaching introductory and advanced 4WD techniques in our technical driving course. Learn the safest way to conquer the toughest trails, in your vehicle, or the one provided.
Advanced Classes
For more advanced drivers we have extremely technical classes available, so there is something for everyone.
Ladies Classes
Our popular ladies-only classes will be back again this year, including Offroad Driving for Women, Recovery Skills for Women, and how to be a Rebelle (Ladies-only Rally Driver).
Family Spotting
No, not how to spot a family as they go by, Trail Spotting is arguably the most valuable skill when you get off the pavement. This class will teach mom, dad, and even the kids, how to spot and guide a vehicle over technical obstacles and through tight spots. Trips are more fun when everyone can participate.
​Trail Repairs
Learn the steps to quickly and safely fix stuff on the trail, and how to choose a quality repair kit.
Solar Power
Learn the ins and outs of setting up a reliable customizable solar power system.
Morning Fitness
Start each day right with an optional exercise session. Yoga, hiking, biking, it varies by venue and year, but it’s never too intense. And don’t worry, no one will judge you if you decide to sleep in.
Photography and Cinematography
Hands-on sessions for great travel imagery.
Preparing for ​Medical Emergencies
Medical Instructors will take us through real-life scenarios, showing us how to deal with the types of accidents most likely to affect overland travelers.
Wine Tasting
Sommeliers will guide us on a virtual wine-tasting tour of the region’s best vineyards. Bring your glass and start exercising your taste buds, because you will be in for a treat.
Nibbles, Treats, Vendor Specials and More
Everywhere you turn at the Rally there is something new to see, something tasty to eat, and someone fun to talk to.
Other Stuff
Personal security, ham radio, new gear, kayaking, Mountain Biking, spotting, navigation, winching, fire-starting, shelter-building, etc. Whatever you are interested in, we probably have a class or a fun session.
