Kachess Ridge 50
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Kachess Ridge 50 : Evergreen Trail Runs
Kachess Ridge 50 is a point-to-point trail event in the Cascade Range that offers a choice of two distances:
- 50K : approximately 6,500 ft elevation gain
- 50M : approximately 12,000 ft elevation gain
The course begins near Lake Kachess and finishes at the Salmon La Sac SnoPark. The route climbs the Kachess Ridge Trail through forest into alpine meadows, follows Kachess Ridge with broad mountain views, and tops out at the Thorp Mountain Lookout (5,853 ft). Notable sights along the ridge include Chikamin Ridge, Mt. Daniel, the mountains around Snoqualmie Pass, the Stuart Range, and the valleys holding Lake Cle Elum and Lake Kachess.
This is a remote course with steep and technical sections. The 50K and 50M split and rejoin near Hard Cheese Aid Station; the 50M includes an extra figure-8 loop in the French Cabin Creek area. Runners pass aid stations such as Hard Cheese, No Name Ridge, Knox Creek, Thorp Creek, and Cooper; No Name Ridge, Knox Creek, and Cooper offer hearty hot food options. Drop bag locations differ by distance.
The event is cupless; participants should carry a refillable container. Required gear lists differ by distance but include a light rain/wind jacket, 2 L water capacity, and a downloaded course GPS. The course is held on lands historically inhabited by Np̓əšqʷáw̓səxʷ / Wenatchi, Yakama, and Coast Salish peoples. Camping is available at the finish SnoPark and nearby towns provide lodging. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
