Backcountry Rise - Toutle, WA
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Backcountry Rise : August 29, 2026
Backcountry Rise is a trail running event held at the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center above Coldwater Lake in Toutle, Washington. Races take place within the Mt. Margaret Backcountry on the northern blast zone side of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The area includes mountain lakes, ridgelines, creeks and backcountry singletrack trails. The event uses the Science & Learning Center as base camp and staging area; parking and camping at the venue are included with registration.
Distances
- 50K - one clockwise loop; remote singletrack course
- 20 Miler - one big clockwise loop; mainly singletrack
- Half Marathon - clockwise loop around Coldwater Lake
The 50K is an advanced, mostly singletrack backcountry loop with about 7,600 ft of elevation gain and loss and three aid stations. An alternate course is planned for 2026 due to a road closure affecting access. The 20 miler has about 4,800 ft of gain and loss, two full aid stations, and an alternate course option for 2026. The half marathon gains and loses about 2,800 ft and offers two aid stations.
Entry, experience and logistics
Registration opens January 15, 2026. Entry fees vary by distance and registration period (50K: $165–$190; 20 Miler: $125–$150; Half Marathon: $105–$125). The 50K requires prior trail ultramarathon experience or a prior Backcountry Rise 20 miler finish before race day. Mandatory minimum gear is enforced at check-in: for the 50K a minimum fluid capacity of about 35–40 ounces, a lightweight jacket, an emergency blanket and a safety whistle; the 20 miler and half marathon require minimum fluid capacity (about 12–20 ounces) and may require a jacket and emergency blanket if precipitation is forecast. Registration includes marked course, aid stations, chip timing and live results, professional medical support, post-race meal, and a custom finisher award. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
