I would love to go but technically none of us with XJ's are even legal there because the new wheel base law (under 100" cant remember exact number), and width law (72" max). Of course its not enforced but I imagine some day it will.
I have not heard of this law before. How new is it and does it apply to all of Washington's trail systems?
Just type in "Evans Creek width restriction" into Google, and you'll get all kinds of results. It's been on all the boards from WOW to PNW4WDA.
From what I have read Evans has always had a "width restriction" as it was part of the
old forest plan, but it's never really been enforced. With a new travel plan going into effect, the old width restriction of 72" is now going to be enforced. As for when, it's still unclear. Both PNW4WDA and WOW are fighting to get the width measurement changed, but I haven't heard how progress has been on it.
I'm still planning on heading up though. The talk of the width restrictions have been going on for quite awhile, and until we start hearing of tickets being written I think we're okay. The important thing is to have a NW Forest Pass (I'll give details later), Evans Creek map, and as always tread lightly both on and off the trails (ie: don't drive like an asshat)!
As for the chance of body damage... yes it's possible. It's also possible to smash in a door at the mall. From what I've experienced, if you stay "in tune" with your surroundings, and pay attention you can come out of Evans with little to no damage. The key is going slow, and not being afraid to take a reverse to re-align. Personally, I think the technical aspect of the trails up there are what makes the place so much fun. Combine the technical trails with some fun obstacles (311, 519) and some gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier, and Evans Creek makes for a pretty good weekend.
It's going to be a great trip, and I'm really looking forward to getting back up there when it's a little more sloppy.
