In 1946, Chet Thompson bought the 2nd Jeep in Yakima. Chet Thompson, Ed Eldrige and George Eldrige all ran together until they met Wally Klingele. These four made the 1st Jeep trip into Milk Lake. In January 1947, the 1st meeting was held at Wally's house. There were 8 Ridgerunner founding members: #1 Harlan Beckett, #2 Gorden Buckley, #3 Wally Klingele, #4 Dale Rohn, #5 Jack Rovic, #6 Walt Rovic, #7 Chet Thompson and #8 Johnny Robilard. The Eldrige brothers never became members because they didn't show up to the 1st meeting. The bylaws were put together and some of the orginal bylaws still stand today. To become a Ridgerunner you must be a Male of at least 21 years in age and own a Jeep (Only). Sometime later a Satelite Club was formed but only lasted until approxiamtely 1955.
The Jeep Bowl was found in 1949. Negotiations with the Native Americans commenced. After an agreement was reached, the Ridgerunners started camping and having other functions at the Jeep Bowl. The Ridgerunners currently still use this facility for Club functions and public events. The are currently 26 members.
The club for many years was active in charity's such as March of Dimes, the Heart Fund, Search & Rescue and Korean Soldiers Magazine Drive. The club still hosts the annual PNW4WDA Region 4 Corn Feed.