Description
Poised between Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, the Goat Rocks are the remnants of an ancient volcano, extinct for some two million years. Glaciation and erosion have worn away the landscape, sculpting it into an alpine park full of meadows, lakes, and craggy peaks. Renowned for its sharp and rugged ridgelines, its unquestionably the place to experience the soul of sky and alpine running.
Course Overview
Day 1: Meet in Packwood, WA
We meet runners at 4pm at the Mountain Goat Coffee and Bakery in Packwood, WA. From this rendezvous point, Aspire shuttles runners to Walupt Lake Campground. We’ll serve an evening meal go over routes, risk management, and gear in preparation for the next days run.
Day 2: Run Angry Mountain to Snowgrass Flat, 20 Miles, Elevation Gain +7,733
After a hearty breakfast we shuttle runners to the Angry Mountain trail head. A forested climb kicks off the day with peek-a-boo views of Rainier and Adams. Soon the forest canopy gives way to a rocky ridgeline and the grandeur of the Goat Rocks appears unbridled. After a lunch stop atop Hawkeye Point and a swim in Goat Lake, the trail continues through meadows exploding in wildflowers before descending back to Walupt Lake, where all the basecamp amenities and dinner are waiting.
Day 3: Run Old Snowy and the Pacific Crest Trail, 30 Miles, Elevation Gain +8,653
After an early breakfast, runners depart directly from camp to join the northbound Pacific Crest Trail. The trail passes Sheep Lake and the exceptional Cispus Pass before reaching the high point of the trip, Old Snowy. From the summit, one can see unobstructed views of 6 Cascade volcanos: Rainier, Adams, Helens, Hood, Glacier, and Baker. It’s a good place for a snack. Looking north, the trail is a ribbon of worn rock following the “knifes edge” ridge dividing the East/West Crest of the Cascades.
Runners finish the day at White Pass where the Aspire crew has moved gear and equipment to a new lakeshore basecamp. Here we serve up a final night of food and celebration. After dinner and libations we transport runners back to Packwood as the last leg of the trip.
About Aspire
Aspire organizes single and multi-day running adventures in backcountry and wilderness terrain. We pair logistical and emergency support with delicious meals for a unique and memorable running experience. More info about our project is available at: www.AspireAdventureRunning.com
Event's current local time: 4:56 PM PT
