Backcountry Rise 2026
Backcountry Rise 2026 takes place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center in Toutle, Washington. Participants will navigate the rugged Mt. Margaret Backcountry within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, a landscape profoundly shaped by the 1980 eruption. In late August, the Toutle area typically experiences warm summer temperatures, though the high-altitude, exposed ridgelines of the course can present rapidly changing conditions and significant sun exposure. This event is a technical trail race focused on remote wilderness, single-track terrain, and significant elevation changes.
What distances are offered at Backcountry Rise 2026?
- →50K (Ultra Trail)
- →20 Mile
- →Half Marathon
What is the event schedule for race day?
- →5:30 AM: Check-in opens
- →7:00 AM: 50K start
- →8:00 AM: 20 Mile start
- →9:00 AM: Half Marathon start
- →6:00 PM: Final course cutoff
Where can I find the course map and GPX files?
The interactive course map is available at Caltopo ↗ and the GPX file can be downloaded from Daybreak Racing ↗.
What are the specific details for the 50K course?
The 50K is a single-loop, clockwise course covering approximately 30.9 miles with roughly 7,600 feet of elevation gain/loss. The terrain is highly technical and advanced, consisting of approximately 98% narrow single-track. The route includes:
- →Coldwater Creek (First 5 miles): Fast, runnable lakeside trails along Coldwater Lake.
- →Bear Camp (Up to 10 miles): A long, technical climb of approximately 3,000 feet passing alpine lakes and ridges.
- →South Coldwater (Up to 12.4 miles): Exposed ridgeline running with panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens. Note that this is a dry section with no water access.
- →Finish (Final 3.5 miles): A combination of road shoulder and trail, concluding with a steep 500-foot climb.
What are the cut-off times for the 50K distance?
- →South Coldwater Aid Station: 4:45 PM
- →Final finish cut-off: 6:00 PM
What are the mandatory gear and experience requirements for the 50K?
To ensure safety in this remote backcountry environment, participants must meet the following criteria:
Experience Requirements:
- →Must have a prior ultramarathon finish OR
- →Must have completed the 20-mile race
Mandatory Gear:
- →Minimum 1 liter water capacity
- →Lightweight jacket
- →Safety whistle
- →Emergency blanket
- →Water filter (recommended)
What aid stations and nutrition are available?
There are three remote, hike-in aid stations with long gaps between them. Please note that this is a cupless race; runners must bring their own cup or flask. Available nutrition includes:
- →Hydration: Water, sports drink (Neversecond C30), and soda
- →Food: Gels, fruit, snacks, and sandwiches
- →The final aid station is the designated location for crews and drop bags.
What camping and facility amenities are provided?
The event offers limited on-site amenities due to the remote nature of the venue:
- →On-site camping is available (includes a $20 field camp option)
- →Car camping is permitted (no hookups available)
- →There are no showers, no fuel access, and no food vendors on-site, though a post-race meal is provided.