A remote clockwise loop through Mt. St. Helens' recovering blast zone
Other trail races within 87 miles
The Backcountry Rise 50K is a single clockwise loop through the Mt. Margaret Backcountry on the northern blast zone side of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The course navigates 99% backcountry singletrack through a landscape still recovering from the 1980 eruption: sapphire alpine lakes, craggy volcanic ridgelines, wildflower meadows, and sweeping panoramas of four Cascade volcanoes. Runners pass Bear Pass — the most-photographed view of Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake — before traversing a long, dry, exposed ridgeline to Coldwater Peak. With 7,600 feet of gain, significant distances between remote hike-in aid stations, and an experience requirement, this is an advanced-level race that demands self-reliance and preparation.
Experienced ultrarunners
Toutle, WA, United StatesAugust 29, 2026
Must complete a qualifier within the qualification window
Any prior trail ultramarathon (50K or longer) finish, or a Backcountry Rise 20 Miler finish prior to race day. Road races and triathlons do not qualify regardless of distance. Runners must enter a qualifying result at registration. The experience requirement does not have to be met at registration but must be met before race day.
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Start/Finish - MSH Science & Learning Center Start | 0.0 | 3,074 ft |
AS1 - Coldwater Creek Aid Station | 5.0 | 2,595 ft |
AS2 - Bear Camp Aid Station | 15.0 | 5,472 ft |
AS3 - South Coldwater Aid Station | 27.4 | 2,582 ft |
Finish - MSH Science & Learning Center Finish | 30.9 | 3,074 ft |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Camping is included in the race registration fee. Car camping in the large paved parking lot is free. Field camping (tent sites) is $20/night, reservations through Mt. St. Helens Institute (Friday night only, 33 sites for 100 people). No hookups. RV/trailer parking available in upper lot. Facility has running water and flush toilets (24hr during event). No showers or food for purchase on-site besides the post-race meal.
Mountain weather on the exposed Boundary Trail ridgeline can change rapidly. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer.
The 12-mile ridgeline section from Bear Camp to South Coldwater is fully exposed with no shade and high UV at elevation.
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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