Talk about timing man,
I just moved down to Cali from Washington state. There are several clubs in Spokane, Post falls, Coeur d' alene that do trail rides. Myself I"m looking for folks in northern califorina to go 4x4ing with now that I"m out of Wa.

Far as winterzing goes alot of times weather stripping on jeeps can get some dry rot especially on the east side of the cascades like where your at. Changing fluids in axles, trannys, transfer cases, and engine are a good idea if you've spent a good amount of time dunking your jeep. Make sure your four wheel drive is working too, nothing worse then sliding around in the ice and snow in 2wd when you could be in 4HI.