Mad Meadows 50
New Race for 2025!!
October is such a magical time in the Eastern Cascades that we couldn't resist offering a new event! This course has a bit of it all: smooth single track, incredible views, steep climbs, and technical sections. Oh, and did we mention it's Larch Season over here?
The 50k will reach elevations over 6000ft, while the 50M will top out over 7000ft at its highest point. This high-elevation course will offer views east into the Entiat River Valley and West towards the glaciated slopes of Clark Mountain and Dakobed (Glacier Peak). With gilded larches to frame the trails, this certainly won't be a race to miss.
Course Description
This is not a course to underestimate! While the views are spectacular and the larches are magical, there are also long, technical sections and steep climbs. There are also wonderful sections of smooth single track along the Mad River and through Mad Meadows.
All distances will start down the Chiwawa River Road (USFS 62). 50k runners will take a right and head up towards the Minnow Creek trailhead on USFS 6210. The 50-mile runners continue down Chiwawa River road until the Rock Creek Aid Station.
After the 50k and 50-mile part ways, the 50k starts a climb up the Minnow creek trail towards Minnow Aid Station. This undulating trail will gradually climb up Minnow Ridge on the slopes above Chikamin Creek. Rejoining the 50-mile course at the Chikamin Aid Station.
The 50-mile route starts with a 7-mile, flat warm-up on Chiwawa River Road before passing Rock Creek Aid Station and beginning the long climb out of the river valley. This climb starts out gradually along Rock Creek before turning into steep switchbacks on the way up to Basalt Pass. Runners then descend to Basalt Aid Station and back up to the pass. After the second time at Basalt Pass, runners will enjoy incredible views of the Dakobed Range from a beautifully graded ridge climb toward Garland Ridge. Here, the geology changes, and wild pumus slopes (from the most recent Dakobed eruption 1700 years ago) speckled with golden larches take over the scenery. Then the real fun begins; runners will enjoy 360° views while flying down Garland Ridge on a technical but incredible descent, with some punchy climbs, before rejoining the 50k course on an out and back to Chikamin Aid Station.
As both distances leave Chikamin Aid Stations, runners will climb towards Chikamin Ridge on well-graded, smooth single track. A truly special treat along this section awaits in a north-facing talus slope dipped in gold from old-growth larch trees. (50-mile runners get to run through this magical place twice!) Remember to look down occasionally because this is a rocky, technical section!
Then, both distances head through an old burn on Chikamin Ridge and down into the wandering meadows on perfect trails. Flying down the Mad River trail and onto the namesake Mad Meadows Aid Station. After this aid station, a short climb out of the meadow brings runners to the final descent on the winding single track of Alder Ridge. Once through the Entiat Aid Station, runners will flow through 4.5 miles of single track along side Chiwawa River Road and back to the finish at Grouse Creek Group Campground.
About Evergreen Trail Runs
Evergreen Trail Runs was founded in 2010 by Roger Michel and Yumay Chang, who had a vision to create a series of trail races around Washington state. Evergreen Trail Runs continues today as a sister brand to Orca Running, a locally-owned race production company. We look forward to continuing Roger and Yumay's vision for many years to come with a dedication to sustainable race organizing.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Since the vast majority of race costs are incurred prior to a race and are non-refundable, we do not issue refunds for races.? Cancelled/rescheduled races are not refunded. Learn more at: https://www.evergreentrailruns.com/race-policies/
In the event that you are unable to participate in one of our races, you have three options, listed below. Please note that fees apply for all of these options.
1. Defer your entry to the same race in the following year. Please note that requests for deferral must be sent before the Friday on race week (i.e. before Thursday at 11:59pm).
2. ?Transfer your entry to another runner. This can be done up until the start time on race day.
3. Switch your entry to another Evergreen event with open registration. Please note that requests for race switches must be sent before the Friday on race week (i.e. before Thursday at 11:59pm).
Event's current local time: 4:45 AM PT
