White River 50M & 50K
Saturday July 27th, 2024
Greenwater, WA
Greenwater, WA
Overview
Set in the shadow of Tahoma (aka Mt. Rainier), this classic race offers amazing views of Washington's tallest mountain. The 50M race features 10,200ft of gain, ridge tops, northwest forest, and mostly single track trail. For decades runners, including many of the best, have come here to push themselves and run in this spectacular place! We made some adjustments to the course in 2023 that reduced the out and back portion on the first loop and show runners some new trails including new views of Rainier and Snoquera Falls. We think these changes make an already scenic course even better!
Also new in 2023 we added a 50K option which follows the 50M course for the first 28 miles of the race then heads back to the finish Ranger Creek Campground (aka Buck Creek Recreation Area). This scenic and challenging course has many of the same highlights as the longer course but with only 5,900ft of gain.
Set in the shadow of Tahoma (aka Mt. Rainier), this classic race offers amazing views of Washington's tallest mountain. The 50M race features 10,200ft of gain, ridge tops, northwest forest, and mostly single track trail. For decades runners, including many of the best, have come here to push themselves and run in this spectacular place! We made some adjustments to the course in 2023 that reduced the out and back portion on the first loop and show runners some new trails including new views of Rainier and Snoquera Falls. We think these changes make an already scenic course even better!
Also new in 2023 we added a 50K option which follows the 50M course for the first 28 miles of the race then heads back to the finish Ranger Creek Campground (aka Buck Creek Recreation Area). This scenic and challenging course has many of the same highlights as the longer course but with only 5,900ft of gain.
Registration and Past Results
- 50M: $210
- 50K: $155
- Be sure to check out our Cancellation Policies
- NO REFUNDS for Entry Fees and NO BIB TRANSFERS
Race Weekend Timeline
Friday July 26th
Saturday July 27th
Friday July 26th
- We encourage folks to come and camp out with us at the start/finish for the whole weekend, this area has been super popular lately with the general public so we recommend arriving early to get your spot.
- At this time we are not planning on doing the traditional pre-race meeting/dinner
Saturday July 27th
- 5:00 to 5:45am: Bib & shirt pickup/check-in at Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek Recreation Area
- 5:30 am: Early Start (only for those who think they'll need the extra time to stay ahead of the cutoff times)
- 5:43 am: Sunrise
- 5:45 deadline to drop of your drop bags at the start/finish
- 6:00 am: Race Start for 50M & 50K
- 9:30 am: Cut off at Palisades Aid Station mile 10 (50M & 50K)
- Noon: Cut off at Corral Aid Station mile 18 (50M & 50K)
- 2:00 pm: Cut off at Buck Creek, mile 28.3 (50M only, no cutoff here for the 50K)
- 3:00 pm: Cut off at Fawn Ridge, mile 31.2 (50M only)
- 5:00 pm: Cut off at Sun Top, mile 36.5 (50M only)
- 6:30 pm: Cut off at Skookum Flats, mile 42.7 (50M only)
- 8:30 pm: Course cut-off** (50M only)
- 8:45 pm: Sunset
**Even though the cut off is technically at 8:30PM any runner who makes it out of the last aid station by the cutoff there and then completes the course will get an official finish even if they arrive after 8pm.
Course Info
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50 Mile -- Saturday July 27
Elevation Gain: 10,200ft Elevation Loss: 10,200ft Number of Aid Stations: 6 Cutoff Time: 14.5+ hours |
50K -- Saturday July 27
Elevation Gain: 5,900ft Elevation Loss: 5,900ft Number of Aid Stations: 3 Cutoff Time: 10+ hours (6 hours for the mile 18.7 aid station) |
The 50K course follows the 50M course for the first 29.5 miles, doing the whole first "half" of the 50M course and then starting up the Sun Top Trail for a mile and a half before turning around and running back to the finish at Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek Recreation Area
We've made a few changes to the first "half" of the 50M course. The start/finish will be at the same location as last year Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek Recreation Area. We've gotten rid of the Camp Sheppard Aid Station and we've got two new stations, Palisades at mile 10 and Corral at mile 18. We've also changed the route for a lot of the first half. The race will start by running south along the Ranger Creek Airstrip, then at the south end of the airstrip the course will take a big U-turn and follow Forest Service Rd 210 north along the far side of the airstrip back towards the start, past the start to the entrance of the campground then turn right onto the campground road and run south towards the start, go through the start area and onto the Skookum Flats Trail heading north. The runners will head north on the Skookum Flats Trail for about a half mile before turning right onto Forest Service Rd 7160, crossing the White River and immediately taking a short trail on the left. This trail takes the runners to the HWY 410 road crossing and the White River Trail which they'll follow for about 1 mile to the Snoquera Falls Trail. The runners will turn right and go about 1.2 miles to the base of the falls then continue past the falls for another 1.3 where they'll rejoin the White River Trail. After about 0.3 mile the course turns right onto the Palisades Trail. At this point the runners have done about 6.7 miles and only ~900ft of elevation gain but this is where the first big climb starts. Over the next 9 miles the runners go up the first big climb of the race gaining almost 4000ft. At mile 10 you'll come to the Palisades Aid Station. At mile 12.9 you'll reach the upper end of the Palisades Trail where you'll join the upper part of the Ranger Creek Trail which you'll follow uphill for 1.1 mile to it's upper end at the Dalles Ridge Trail where you'll turn right. You'll follow the Dalles Ridge Trail south east for 1.2 miles and turn right onto the Noble Knob Trail. You'll follow the Noble Knob Trail about 3 miles to the Corral Aid Station at Corral Pass -- you'll have covered 18 miles and about 5000ft of elevation gain. From the aid station you'll make your way up the Noble Knob Climbing Trail and in 1.3 miles you'll rejoin the Noble Knob Trail for just under a mile. At the intersection with the Deep Creek Trail runners will turn right and continue on the Noble Knob Trail for about another mile and then turn left onto the Dalles Ridge Trail for about 1.2 miles to the Ranger Creek Trail. You'll follow the Ranger Creek Trail 5.2 miles all the way down to the valley. At the bottom of the Ranger Creek Trail you'll turn right on to the White River Trail and soon after that (about a quarter mile) you'll come to the left hand turn to take you back to the HWY 410 road crossing that you crossed about 25 miles earlier in the race, from here you'll re-trace your route for a few miles taking the unnamed trail to Forest Service Rd 7160, turn right, cross the bridge over the White River and immediately turn left onto the Skookum Flats trail heading south and towards the start/finish area. At mile 28.3 you'll reach the Buck Aid Station at the start/finish area completing the first "half" of the White River 50M course.
The 2nd half of the 50M course stays the same as past years and the 50K follows the 50M course for the first mile and half before turning around coming back to the start/finish area. From the Buck Aid Station the course continues south on the Skookum Flats trail for about 0.8 mile then leaves the trail, bearing right and gets on Forest Service Rd 210 and heads north (right) for about 0.2 mile and turns left on to the the Suntop Trail. About 0.4 mile up this trail is where the 50K runners will turn around to head back down to the finish re-tracing their steps. The 50M runners will continue up the Suntop Trail. At mile 31.2 they'll come to the Fawn Aid Station and at mile 36.5 at the very top of the Sun Top Trail the 50M runners will reach the top of the last big climb in the race and the Sun Top Aid Station and at this point they'll have gained about 94% of the total elevation gain of the race. All that remains is the ~3200ft descent in 6.5 miles on forest service roads and then a rolling 7 miles with 700ft of gain as you make your was south along the Skookum Flats Trail heading back to the start/finish area at Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek Recreation Area. But don't under estimate the difficulty of the these last 13.5 miles, the road can be hot and dusty and the trail can feel way harder than it sounds with your tired legs and the all the little but steep hills along the river. We highly recommend that folks don't go so fast down the road from Suntop that you can't enjoy the last miles of trail but many folks will ignore this advice and end walking from the last aid station to the finish.
We've made a few changes to the first "half" of the 50M course. The start/finish will be at the same location as last year Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek Recreation Area. We've gotten rid of the Camp Sheppard Aid Station and we've got two new stations, Palisades at mile 10 and Corral at mile 18. We've also changed the route for a lot of the first half. The race will start by running south along the Ranger Creek Airstrip, then at the south end of the airstrip the course will take a big U-turn and follow Forest Service Rd 210 north along the far side of the airstrip back towards the start, past the start to the entrance of the campground then turn right onto the campground road and run south towards the start, go through the start area and onto the Skookum Flats Trail heading north. The runners will head north on the Skookum Flats Trail for about a half mile before turning right onto Forest Service Rd 7160, crossing the White River and immediately taking a short trail on the left. This trail takes the runners to the HWY 410 road crossing and the White River Trail which they'll follow for about 1 mile to the Snoquera Falls Trail. The runners will turn right and go about 1.2 miles to the base of the falls then continue past the falls for another 1.3 where they'll rejoin the White River Trail. After about 0.3 mile the course turns right onto the Palisades Trail. At this point the runners have done about 6.7 miles and only ~900ft of elevation gain but this is where the first big climb starts. Over the next 9 miles the runners go up the first big climb of the race gaining almost 4000ft. At mile 10 you'll come to the Palisades Aid Station. At mile 12.9 you'll reach the upper end of the Palisades Trail where you'll join the upper part of the Ranger Creek Trail which you'll follow uphill for 1.1 mile to it's upper end at the Dalles Ridge Trail where you'll turn right. You'll follow the Dalles Ridge Trail south east for 1.2 miles and turn right onto the Noble Knob Trail. You'll follow the Noble Knob Trail about 3 miles to the Corral Aid Station at Corral Pass -- you'll have covered 18 miles and about 5000ft of elevation gain. From the aid station you'll make your way up the Noble Knob Climbing Trail and in 1.3 miles you'll rejoin the Noble Knob Trail for just under a mile. At the intersection with the Deep Creek Trail runners will turn right and continue on the Noble Knob Trail for about another mile and then turn left onto the Dalles Ridge Trail for about 1.2 miles to the Ranger Creek Trail. You'll follow the Ranger Creek Trail 5.2 miles all the way down to the valley. At the bottom of the Ranger Creek Trail you'll turn right on to the White River Trail and soon after that (about a quarter mile) you'll come to the left hand turn to take you back to the HWY 410 road crossing that you crossed about 25 miles earlier in the race, from here you'll re-trace your route for a few miles taking the unnamed trail to Forest Service Rd 7160, turn right, cross the bridge over the White River and immediately turn left onto the Skookum Flats trail heading south and towards the start/finish area. At mile 28.3 you'll reach the Buck Aid Station at the start/finish area completing the first "half" of the White River 50M course.
The 2nd half of the 50M course stays the same as past years and the 50K follows the 50M course for the first mile and half before turning around coming back to the start/finish area. From the Buck Aid Station the course continues south on the Skookum Flats trail for about 0.8 mile then leaves the trail, bearing right and gets on Forest Service Rd 210 and heads north (right) for about 0.2 mile and turns left on to the the Suntop Trail. About 0.4 mile up this trail is where the 50K runners will turn around to head back down to the finish re-tracing their steps. The 50M runners will continue up the Suntop Trail. At mile 31.2 they'll come to the Fawn Aid Station and at mile 36.5 at the very top of the Sun Top Trail the 50M runners will reach the top of the last big climb in the race and the Sun Top Aid Station and at this point they'll have gained about 94% of the total elevation gain of the race. All that remains is the ~3200ft descent in 6.5 miles on forest service roads and then a rolling 7 miles with 700ft of gain as you make your was south along the Skookum Flats Trail heading back to the start/finish area at Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek Recreation Area. But don't under estimate the difficulty of the these last 13.5 miles, the road can be hot and dusty and the trail can feel way harder than it sounds with your tired legs and the all the little but steep hills along the river. We highly recommend that folks don't go so fast down the road from Suntop that you can't enjoy the last miles of trail but many folks will ignore this advice and end walking from the last aid station to the finish.
GPS Files
Download the .gpx file and load it into your favorite GPS app or watch.
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White River 50M Map |
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50M Elevation profile
50K map |
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50K Elevation profile
Aid Stations & Drop Bags
There are 6 full service aid stations for the 50M and 3 full service aid stations for the 50K and drop bags are OK at all of them. Crew access is allowed only at Buck Aid Station (50M & 50K) and Skookum Aid Station (50M). No crews are allowed at any of the other aid stations this is because there is extremely limited parking at/near each of the other aid station locations, and/or the roads to the aid stations are not very wide so we want to limit two-way traffic on these roads, and in the case of the Sun Top Aid Station the runners will be running the same road that used to drive to the aid station and there's enough vehicles already driving that road making it dusty for the runners so we want to limit the dust as much as possible. Please make sure your crew members adhere to these rules, not doing so will result in you being disqualified and pulled out of the race.
Each aid station will be stocked with water, Gnarly electrolyte drink, a variety of soft drinks, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, and assorted cookies or candy. We will have a variety of GU gels, but we do ask that you only use those to supplement what you are providing for yourself. There will also be first aid supplies, sunscreen, bug spray, and menstrual hygiene products for issues that arise on the course.
To reduce waste this race is "cup less" meaning we avoid using disposable cups whenever possible and to do so we ask that you bring your own cup/bottle/hydration pack. You can buy a reusable cup from us when you register for the race & pick up the cup at runner check-in on race day.
DROP BAGS NEED TO BE DROPPED OFF AT THE START/FINISH BY 5:45AM
Our volunteers are tracking all runners at the aid stations, so please wear your bib visibly on the front of your body.
There are 6 full service aid stations for the 50M and 3 full service aid stations for the 50K and drop bags are OK at all of them. Crew access is allowed only at Buck Aid Station (50M & 50K) and Skookum Aid Station (50M). No crews are allowed at any of the other aid stations this is because there is extremely limited parking at/near each of the other aid station locations, and/or the roads to the aid stations are not very wide so we want to limit two-way traffic on these roads, and in the case of the Sun Top Aid Station the runners will be running the same road that used to drive to the aid station and there's enough vehicles already driving that road making it dusty for the runners so we want to limit the dust as much as possible. Please make sure your crew members adhere to these rules, not doing so will result in you being disqualified and pulled out of the race.
Each aid station will be stocked with water, Gnarly electrolyte drink, a variety of soft drinks, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, and assorted cookies or candy. We will have a variety of GU gels, but we do ask that you only use those to supplement what you are providing for yourself. There will also be first aid supplies, sunscreen, bug spray, and menstrual hygiene products for issues that arise on the course.
To reduce waste this race is "cup less" meaning we avoid using disposable cups whenever possible and to do so we ask that you bring your own cup/bottle/hydration pack. You can buy a reusable cup from us when you register for the race & pick up the cup at runner check-in on race day.
DROP BAGS NEED TO BE DROPPED OFF AT THE START/FINISH BY 5:45AM
Our volunteers are tracking all runners at the aid stations, so please wear your bib visibly on the front of your body.
- AID STATION #1: PALISADES (50M & 50K)
- Mile 10
- Drop Bags: YES
- Crew: NO
- Cut off: 9:30am
- Terrain: Start to Palisades -- Dirt road, wide trail and single track trail. This leg starts out with approximately 2 miles of open dirt road followed by single track. The first ~7 miles are rolling with about 900ft of gain, the last three miles of this section gains ~1800ft.
- AID STATION #2: CORRAL (50M & 50K)
- Mile 18
- Drop Bags: YES
- Crew: NO
- Cut off: Noon
- Terrain: Palisades to Corral -- Single track trail. The first half of this section climbs steadily gaining about ~1600ft over the first 4 miles then is rolling for the next 4 plus miles as you make your way along the ridges gaining only about 800ft.
- AID STATION #3: BUCK (50M & 50K)
- Mile: 28.3
- Drop Bags: YES
- Crew: YES
- Cut off: 2:00PM
- Terrain: Corral to Buck --.Single track trail. The first ~4 miles of this section is rolling along the ridges, then a 5.5 mile descent losing 3100ft, then about a mile of rolling/pretty flat.
- AID STATION #4: FAWN RIDGE (50M)
- Mile: 31.2
- Drop Bags: YES
- Crew: NO
- Cut off: 3:00PM
- Terrain: Buck to Fawn-- almost all single track trail. After a nice flat 0.75 mile section you will start climbing up the second and last major climb in the race. Don't worry, it will only last 8.5 miles. Be patient on the first few miles of this climb because the sun can get hot on the switchbacks through the clear cut. After climbing about 2.25 miles and nearly 1800 feet, you will arrive at the aid station.
- AID STATION #5: SUN TOP (50M)
- Mile: 36.3
- Drop Bags: OK
- Crew: NO
- Cut off: 5:00PM
- Terrain: Fawn to Sun Top -- Single track trail. The trail continues to climb another 1000 feet during the next 3 miles. The false summit provides a great view of Mt. Rainier on a clear day. After a brief downhill, you will cross the Sun Top Road. Get ready for the last mile of climb to Sun Top. It is steep and hot, but the view is worth the effort. Take a minute to look at the unobstructed view of Mt. Rainier. You will forget the agony of the climb. NO CREW ACCESS ON SUN TOP ROAD. This is a public road with a lot of weekend car traffic. The road is very dry and dusty. The dust from the car traffic is tough to deal with for the runners. Please resist the temptation to drive up this road for the good of all runners on the course. Bike access is allowed for viewing only. No crewing allowed.
- AID STATION #6: SKOOKUM (50M)
- Mile 42.7
- Drop Bags: OK
- Crew: OK
- Cut off: 6:30PM
- Terrain: Sun Top to Skookum -- Dirt road. This section is pretty much all downhill. If you have legs that aren't trashed yet, you will want to take advantage of it, unless of course if you want to have legs for the next section. Make sure you have plenty of drink for the exposure to the afternoon sun and dust that kicks up from the occasional car. Stay on Rd. #7315 for about 5.7 miles and then right hand turn onto Road #73. Just before the bridge crossing the White River, turn right onto the Skookum Flats trail. The aid station is just inside the trees in the shade.
- FINISH: Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek
- Mile 50.0
- Drop Bags: OK
- Crew: OK
- Cut off: 8:30PM** **Even though the cut off is technically at 8:30PM any runner who makes it out of the last aid station by the cutoff there and then completes the course will get an official finish even if they arrive after 8:30pm.
- Terrain: Skookum to Finish--Single track trail. This 7 mile section of shaded trail meanders through a beautiful section of NW old growth forest. The footing can be quite challenging due to the abundance of rocks and roots. The terrain is particularly tough to get through if your legs are spent. If you're feeling good, this section is more fun to run than any part of the course, due to the technical nature of the terrain, but who feels good at the end of a 50 miler, haha!
Cutoff Times at the Aid Stations
Cut off times at the aid stations are used to keep our race on schedule and within the time limits of our permits. If you are not leaving the aid station by that aid station's cut off time, you will not be allowed to continue running in the race, either officially or unofficially on your own. You will be given a ride back to the finish area by staff or volunteers. Here are the cut off times for each aid station:
Although these are public trails, you are participating on them as a registered participant of our event and by signing up for the race, you agree to follow our rules and conditions for completing (or not completing) the race. Our sweeps will be leaving right at cut off time, taking down course markings with them. If you refuse to quit running and abandon your run after not making a cut off at an aid station you are risking your health and safety as well as the health and safety of anyone who would have to rescue you. And our permitting agency could look at that as negligence on our end by allowing runners on the course with no course markings or after the time we agreed to stop people. We take this rule seriously and as it puts our permits in jeopardy and risks people's safety, if any runner violates this rule, they may be subject to a ban from future races.
Cut off times at the aid stations are used to keep our race on schedule and within the time limits of our permits. If you are not leaving the aid station by that aid station's cut off time, you will not be allowed to continue running in the race, either officially or unofficially on your own. You will be given a ride back to the finish area by staff or volunteers. Here are the cut off times for each aid station:
- 9:30am: Palisades, mile 10.3
- Noon: Corral, mile 18.7
- 2:00pm: Buck, mile 28.1
- 3:00pm: Fawn, mile 31.2
- 5:00pm: Sun Top, mile 36.5
- 6:30pm: Skookum, mile 42.7
- 8:30pm: Finish, mile 50.0 **Even though the cutoff is technically at 8:30 pm any runner who makes it out of the Skookum Aid Station by the cutoff there(6:15pm) and then completes the course will get an official finish even if they cross the finish line after 8:30 pm. But we do ask that folks do the best they can to finish by 8:30 pm, especially since sunset is 8:45 pm.
Although these are public trails, you are participating on them as a registered participant of our event and by signing up for the race, you agree to follow our rules and conditions for completing (or not completing) the race. Our sweeps will be leaving right at cut off time, taking down course markings with them. If you refuse to quit running and abandon your run after not making a cut off at an aid station you are risking your health and safety as well as the health and safety of anyone who would have to rescue you. And our permitting agency could look at that as negligence on our end by allowing runners on the course with no course markings or after the time we agreed to stop people. We take this rule seriously and as it puts our permits in jeopardy and risks people's safety, if any runner violates this rule, they may be subject to a ban from future races.
early start
For runners who think they will NEED extra time to stay ahead of the cutoffs runners there will be an early start at 5:30am.
Shirts
Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to purchase a soft and comfy cotton tee printed with the race logo when they register by 3pm on July 10th.
Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to purchase a soft and comfy cotton tee printed with the race logo when they register by 3pm on July 10th.
Volunteers
We have several volunteer jobs available at White River 50! Volunteers earn all kinds of perks; they get to eat and drink for free, are eligible for raffle prizes from our sponsors, and earn credit towards a future Rainshadow race! Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. We promise you will have fun!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please click the link below
We have several volunteer jobs available at White River 50! Volunteers earn all kinds of perks; they get to eat and drink for free, are eligible for raffle prizes from our sponsors, and earn credit towards a future Rainshadow race! Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. We promise you will have fun!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please click the link below
Post Race Party
We're so happy to be able to have our post race parties again! Almost more than the races themselves! Fresh, delicious pizza handmade on site by our good friends at Pizza Rocks (they also do GF and Vegan options grab one of the merry folks and ask them to make something for ya). Local beer and cider. Plus other food and drinks and music and all your running buddies all hanging out at the finish!
We're so happy to be able to have our post race parties again! Almost more than the races themselves! Fresh, delicious pizza handmade on site by our good friends at Pizza Rocks (they also do GF and Vegan options grab one of the merry folks and ask them to make something for ya). Local beer and cider. Plus other food and drinks and music and all your running buddies all hanging out at the finish!
Camping & Lodging
There is plenty of free*, primitive, forested camping at Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek Recreation Area, which is the start/finish area! Don't confuse this area with Buck Creek Campground near Darrington. This one is near Greenwater and right next door to the Ranger Creek Airstrip. It is all first come/first served and many of the sites have room for multiple vehicles. There are bathrooms on site, but no showers. *The camping is free but a parking pass is required for each vehicle.
Additional non-primitive camping options nearby. You can make reservations online: Camping Reservations or call 877-444-6777.
This year's official event hotel is Crystal Mountain Hotels (33818 Crystal Mountain Blvd., Crystal Mountain WA 98022; 888-754-6400; [email protected]). Please call or email today and inquire about the special reduced rate offered for race participants.
Additional lodging options are shown below.
There is plenty of free*, primitive, forested camping at Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek Recreation Area, which is the start/finish area! Don't confuse this area with Buck Creek Campground near Darrington. This one is near Greenwater and right next door to the Ranger Creek Airstrip. It is all first come/first served and many of the sites have room for multiple vehicles. There are bathrooms on site, but no showers. *The camping is free but a parking pass is required for each vehicle.
Additional non-primitive camping options nearby. You can make reservations online: Camping Reservations or call 877-444-6777.
- The Dalles Campground (6 miles from start)
- Silver Springs Camprgound (2 miles from start)
This year's official event hotel is Crystal Mountain Hotels (33818 Crystal Mountain Blvd., Crystal Mountain WA 98022; 888-754-6400; [email protected]). Please call or email today and inquire about the special reduced rate offered for race participants.
Additional lodging options are shown below.
- Alta Crystal Resort 800-277-6475
- GuestHouse Inn 360-825-4490
- Crystal Mt. Lodging 888-668-4368 or 360-663-2558
- Cedars Inn 360-825-1626
- Whistlin' Jack Lodge 509-658-2433
- Crystal Cabin Vacation Rentals 360-663-2625
Parking Pass Info
You will need a parking pass to park at the start/finish/campground area! You can buy the appropriate pass online in advance if you don't already have one. Here are the passes that are acceptable:
NOTE: The Washington State Discover Pass is not applicable as this is federal land not state land.
Driving/Parking Directions
Cell service is very spotty in the race area. Be sure to save all of this info in advance.
The closest airport is SeaTac (Seattle). From SeaTac, it's about a 1.5 hour drive. Portland, OR is a 3.5 hour drive; Spokane, WA is 5 hours and Vancouver, BC is 4 hours away by car.
You can click here for driving directions on Google Maps
From Seattle Area to Start/Finish/Camping Area at Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek Recreation Area
You will need a parking pass to park at the start/finish/campground area! You can buy the appropriate pass online in advance if you don't already have one. Here are the passes that are acceptable:
- NW Forest Pass -- Annual pass for USFS land in WA & OR. $30. Not currently available online but available to buy at forest service offices and many retailers.
- America the Beautiful/Interagency Pass -- Annual pass for all federal land like National Parks, National Forest, BLM and more. $80. Currently available online but it's recommended you purchase your pass at least 10 days in advance (if international, 3 - 4 weeks in advance), or choose expedited shipping. Available to buy in person at National Parks and many retailers.
- US Forest Service day pass -- Single day only for Forest Service land only. $5. You need one of these for each day you'll be parked on forest service land so if you're camping Friday night at the start/finish area and running or volunteering Saturday you'll need to buy two of these passes. These are usually also available to buy(cash or check only) at the kiosk at the start/finish area but we recommend buying in advance as supplies can be limited in person plus it'll be one less thing for you to worry about on race morning :)
NOTE: The Washington State Discover Pass is not applicable as this is federal land not state land.
Driving/Parking Directions
Cell service is very spotty in the race area. Be sure to save all of this info in advance.
The closest airport is SeaTac (Seattle). From SeaTac, it's about a 1.5 hour drive. Portland, OR is a 3.5 hour drive; Spokane, WA is 5 hours and Vancouver, BC is 4 hours away by car.
You can click here for driving directions on Google Maps
From Seattle Area to Start/Finish/Camping Area at Ranger Creek Campground aka Buck Creek Recreation Area
- Head to east from Enumclaw, WA on HWY 410.
- About 11.3 miles east of Greenwater, WA turn right onto Forest Service Rd 7160 (watch for the turn as it'll sneak up on ya)
- Immediately go across a one lane bridge, go past a small trailhead and about 0.2 mile from HWY 410 turn left
- Immediately the road will fork, turn left again and you'll start going past some campsites.
- After about 1/4 mile the race start/finish will be on the left.
Carpooling
If interested in carpooling here's a link to a spreadsheet where you can ask for a ride or offer a ride
If interested in carpooling here's a link to a spreadsheet where you can ask for a ride or offer a ride
Race Rules
- Be nice: please be courteous of other trail users as well as fellow runners and volunteers. If you come upon hikers or other day users, please alert them of your presence and give them a chance to move over before you pass
- Passing: please yield to faster runners.
- One ear bud only: if you must wear headphones while running, they may only be in one ear and the volume must be low enough that you can hear others around you (we had an injury at one of our races due to someone not being able to hear while wearing both earbuds; so we take this rule seriously)
- No continuing on past cut off: for liability and safety reasons we cannot let any runner continue on their own past cut off time. We take this rule seriously. Please treat our aid station and sweep volunteers with respect. If you have an issue, find a race staff after the race and we are more than happy to have a conversation with you
- No cheating/course cutting/bandits/anything deemed unsportsmanlike: this could result in a ban from Rainshadow races and we just do not want to do that
- Dogs: well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the course and at the finish line
- No WADA banned substances
- Be on time: our sweeps go out shortly after the runners start and once they start, we cannot send out any runners after that
- No Pacers
- No crew access or crew support except at crew accessible aid stations(Camp Shepard, Noble Knob, Buck Creek, and Skookum Flats. No crews are allowed to drive on the roads to Sun Top(FS Road 73 and FS Road 7315) bikes are allowed but crews are only allowed to view their runners, no providing their runners anything other than cheers.
- No Littering
- All local, state and federal laws must be followed as well as all instructions from race staff, aid station captains and road crossing volunteers(cars will not be stopped).
Cancellations
By attending one of our races you agree to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policies, our COVID precautions, our race rules. our anti-discrimination policies and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at [email protected]
If You Need to/Choose to Cancel Your Registration...
Please fill out this form before race day to let us know you will not be participating in the race. After you fill out the form we'll email you to give you a coupon code for a credit that you can use for one of our future races. NO REFUNDS and NO BIB TRANSFERS.
The amount of credit is based on when you submit this form to cancel your registration:
The coupon code can be used for any Rainshadow race.
The coupon code will be good for two years from the date we email you your coupon code.
If you were in one of our "lottery" races you will be automatically selected if you register for that lottery again the following year.
We are no longer allowing runners to transfer or sell their bib/race entry to another runner. If in the future we can create a simpler system to do this we will bring this option back.
By registering for one of our races you agreed to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our race rules and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at [email protected]
If Rainshadow Cancels a Race...
If we have to cancel an event for any reason (COVID, wildfire, acts of nature, etc.) we understand the disappointment to the participants. But it's something that does happen from time to time so you should be prepared for that possibility.
We will do our best to notify runners as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation.
All runners will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation and any other pertinent info including what their options are and the deadline for letting us know their decision. If the reason for cancelling the race is something out of our control like something weather or COVID related we will likely offer runners a 50% credit towards a future race as the we see it both the runners and Rainshadow share the risk of a cancelled race equally.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for an ultramarathon, so if we can make adjustments to our race plans instead of cancelling, that is our priority, but at the end of the day, the safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
By attending one of our races you agree to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policies, our COVID precautions, our race rules. our anti-discrimination policies and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at [email protected]
If You Need to/Choose to Cancel Your Registration...
Please fill out this form before race day to let us know you will not be participating in the race. After you fill out the form we'll email you to give you a coupon code for a credit that you can use for one of our future races. NO REFUNDS and NO BIB TRANSFERS.
The amount of credit is based on when you submit this form to cancel your registration:
- 31 days or more before race day: 50% of your race entry fee + 100% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
- 30 days to 7days before race day: 50% of your race entry fee + 50% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
- Less than 7 days before race day or after race day: 0% of your race entry fee + 0% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
The coupon code can be used for any Rainshadow race.
The coupon code will be good for two years from the date we email you your coupon code.
If you were in one of our "lottery" races you will be automatically selected if you register for that lottery again the following year.
We are no longer allowing runners to transfer or sell their bib/race entry to another runner. If in the future we can create a simpler system to do this we will bring this option back.
By registering for one of our races you agreed to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our race rules and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at [email protected]
If Rainshadow Cancels a Race...
If we have to cancel an event for any reason (COVID, wildfire, acts of nature, etc.) we understand the disappointment to the participants. But it's something that does happen from time to time so you should be prepared for that possibility.
We will do our best to notify runners as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation.
All runners will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation and any other pertinent info including what their options are and the deadline for letting us know their decision. If the reason for cancelling the race is something out of our control like something weather or COVID related we will likely offer runners a 50% credit towards a future race as the we see it both the runners and Rainshadow share the risk of a cancelled race equally.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for an ultramarathon, so if we can make adjustments to our race plans instead of cancelling, that is our priority, but at the end of the day, the safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
Miguel Gomez's 2022 video race report
Slideshow of some of the 2021 Pictures
Contact Us
Questions? The race directors for this race and all Rainshadow Running races is James Varner and Katy Farrell.
Email us at [email protected]
You can also find us on
Questions? The race directors for this race and all Rainshadow Running races is James Varner and Katy Farrell.
Email us at [email protected]
You can also find us on