October is such a magical time in the Eastern Cascades that Evergreen Trail Runs couldn’t resist offering a new event! This course has a bit of it all: smooth single track, incredible views, steep climbs, and technical sections. Oh, and did we mention it’s Larch Season over here? The 50K …
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October is such a magical time in the Eastern Cascades that Evergreen Trail Runs couldn’t resist offering a new event! This course has a bit of it all: smooth single track, incredible views, steep climbs, and technical sections. Oh, and did we mention it’s Larch Season over here?
The 50K will reach elevations over 6000ft, while the 50M will top out over 7000ft at its highest point. This high-elevation course will offer views east into the Entiat River Valley and west towards the glaciated slopes of Clark Mountain and Dakobed (Glacier Peak). With gilded larches to frame the trails, this certainly won’t be a race to miss.
The Mad Meadows course is not one to underestimate! While the views are spectacular and the larches are magical, there are also long, technical sections and steep climbs. There are also wonderful sections of smooth single track along the Mad River and through Mad Meadows.
All distances will start down the Chiwawa River Road (USFS 62). 50k runners will take a right and head up towards the Minnow Creek trailhead on USFS 6210. The 50-mile runners continue down Chiwawa River road until the Rock Creek Aid Station.
After the 50k and 50-mile part ways, the 50k starts a climb up the Minnow creek trail towards Minnow Aid Station. This undulating trail will gradually climb up Minnow Ridge on the slopes above Chikamin Creek. Rejoining the 50-mile course at the Chikamin Aid Station.
The 50-mile route starts with a 7-mile, flat warm-up on Chiwawa River Road before passing Rock Creek Aid Station and beginning the long climb out of the river valley. This climb starts out gradually along Rock Creek before turning into steep switchbacks on the way up to Basalt Pass. Runners then descend to Basalt Aid Station and back up to the pass. After the second time at Basalt Pass, runners will enjoy incredible views of the Dakobed Range from a beautifully graded ridge climb toward Garland Ridge. Here, the geology changes, and wild pumus slopes (from the most recent Dakobed eruption 1700 years ago) speckled with golden larches take over the scenery. Then the real fun begins; runners will enjoy 360° views while flying down Garland Ridge on a technical but incredible descent, with some punchy climbs, before rejoining the 50k course on an out and back to Chikamin Aid Station.
As both distances leave Chikamin Aid Stations, runners will climb towards Chikamin Ridge on well-graded, smooth single track. A truly special treat along this section awaits in a north-facing talus slope dipped in gold from old-growth larch trees. (50-mile runners get to run through this magical place twice!) Remember to look down occasionally because this is a rocky, technical section!
Then, both distances head through an old burn on Chikamin Ridge and down into the wandering meadows on perfect trails. Flying down the Mad River trail and onto the namesake Mad Meadows Aid Station. After this aid station, a short climb out of the meadow brings runners to the final descent on the winding single track of Alder Ridge. Once through the Entiat Aid Station, runners will flow through 4.5 miles of single track along side Chiwawa River Road and back to the finish at Grouse Creek Group Campground.
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Gorgeous scenery but confusing distance
The elevation gain was brutal but the scenery was absolutely worth it! The biggest problem was not the elevation gain, nor was it the snowy weather at the higher elevation … MORE
The elevation gain was brutal but the scenery was absolutely worth it!
The biggest problem was not the elevation gain, nor was it the snowy weather at the higher elevation but the distances between aid stations was off by a number of miles.
I totally understand that this was the first year this race was organized and that GPS tracking and maps are only accurate to a certain point, but both my Garmin watch and the route planning app (Gaia) that I use were different than the Caltopo map by at least 3 miles.
As a back of the pack runner, those 3 miles make or break a race.
Hopefully next year, either the distances will be double checked or the cut off times adjusted.
Great Inaugural Race!
It's hard - trails are steep and they are very technical in sections - even the "runnable" sections are not in very good shape. This race happens late enough in … MORE
It’s hard – trails are steep and they are very technical in sections – even the “runnable” sections are not in very good shape.
This race happens late enough in the year that you need to be prepared for rain, cold and some snow. Limited support crew access.
Larch Eye Candy and Huge Climbs!
The course is truly awesome, and a true test. The climbs are ruthless! Evergreen is a great team and put together such a special race at a very difficult time … MORE
The course is truly awesome, and a true test. The climbs are ruthless! Evergreen is a great team and put together such a special race at a very difficult time of year in those mountains. Being up on the ridge amongst the larches giving your all is unforgettable.
The most fun I’ve had in a while!
I have been participating in ETR ultras for several years and the production quality keeps increasing. Katie has surrounded herself with a committed and exceptionally qualified team. I can not … MORE
I have been participating in ETR ultras for several years and the production quality keeps increasing. Katie has surrounded herself with a committed and exceptionally qualified team. I can not downplay the difficulty of this course but the rewards BY FAR balance things out in my favor. I am definitely going back! Thank you, Team Evergreen!