Backcountry Rise - Toutle, WA
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Backcountry Rise - Toutle, WA
Backcountry Rise is staged at the Mt. St. Helens Science & Learning Center on the north side of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The Mt. Margaret Backcountry includes high mountain lakes, rugged peaks, wildflower slopes, ridgelines, creeks and wildlife.
- 50K: one clockwise loop; 7,600 ft gain and loss; 99% singletrack; three aid stations.
- 20 Miler: one clockwise loop; 4,800 ft gain and loss; ~98% singletrack; two aid stations.
- Half Marathon: clockwise loop around Coldwater Lake; 2,800 ft gain and loss; two aid stations.
Camp, start and finish are at the Science & Learning Center, a venue with a dining hall, bathrooms, interpretive areas, courtyard and pavilion sited above Coldwater Lake and oriented toward the Mount St. Helens caldera.
Friday night features optional bib pickup, a spaghetti feed for participants and volunteers, and a trivia and game night.
An ongoing road closure of Spirit Lake Hwy since a May 2023 mudslide washed out drive-up access to Johnston Ridge Aid Station has led organizers to plan alternate courses for 2026 for the 50K and the 20 miler. The 50K requires prior mountain ultra experience and specific gear; qualifying results are required during registration. Registration closes Sun, Aug 23 at 11:59 PM PT. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
