Description

Fall is a good time to be in the mountains. It is even better when those mountains are the North Cascades and one can spend multiple days in a row on trails exploring alpine lakes, hanging glaciers, cascading creeks, and eating ripe huckleberries. It might even be the best if in-between those days of running you can sleep in a historic cabin, enjoy hot showers, eat delicious meals, and be surrounded by a community of friends who love to run and play in the mountains. This is the first annual North Cascades Fall Trail Running Festival and Symposium. We hope you will join us.

Accomodations

The Baker Lodge sits high in the North Cascades surrounded by epic mountain views and literally hundreds of miles of trails. Owned and operated by the Mountaineers, the lodge is a hub of mountain activity in every season. It’s bunk style accommodations holds up to 62 people and is divided between men’s, women’s, and family sleeping areas. It boasts a full kitchen, hot showers, and a gear drying room (typically used in winter but could come in very handy should the weather turn). Aspire has reserved exclusive access to the lodge for the duration of the festival and it will serve as the basecamp for the week's activities. 

Food

As bookends to each day the Aspire staff will have the lodge kitchen operating at full capacity serving up delicious breakfast and dinner fare.  Healthy, seasonal, local, are the standard for these “lodge” cooked meals and menus cater to the carnivore, vegetarian, and vegan alike. For lunch, light options will be available along with a sample selection of bars, gels, and assorted trail food.  

Trails

From the door of the lodge one looks directly into the Mt. Baker Wilderness. There is no need to drive anywhere because each trail in the area is connected by a trailhead only a few hundred yards from the lodge.  All the trails spend ample time above the treeline and runners are greeted with expansive views of glaciated peaks, luminescent fall foliage, and ripe huckleberries.  

Each day of the festival, formal and informal groups will be organized to experience different trails and explore the local landscape. Link-ups, combinations, and variations of all these trails are possibilities and as a result one can run each day to their hearts content weather that is 10 or 30+ miles per day.  Aspire will also be organizing shuttles to access other trails along Highway 542 corridor.

Programming

Each evening there will be an opportunity to participate in a symposium style lecture/presentation wherein local naturalists, historians, and athletes will share stories and insights around the intersections that connect people to the wildness and beauty of the North Cascades. Updates on our list of presenters, musicians, and inspirational rabble rousers is available on our website and social media platforms.

Itinerary

Wednesday
3:00-6:00pm. Course check in at the Baker Lodge.
The lodge is located at mile marker 55 of WA State Highway 542.
Parking is located in the Mt. Baker Ski Area upper Heather Meadows parking lot.   
6:00pm. Welcome and Dinner
7:30pm. Orientation and Program
8:30pm. Organize running groups, pack and prep for a day in the hills!
10:00pm. Bed time
10:30pm.  Lights out in the Lodge.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday
7:00am. Breakfast
8:30am. Shuttle and organized groups depart.
RUN. EXPLORE. PLAY. EAT BERRIES.
6:00pm. Dinner
7:30pm. Evening Program
8:30pm. Organize running groups, pack and prep for a day in the hills!
10:00pm. Bed time
10:30pm.  Lights out in the Lodge.

Sunday
7:00am. Breakfast
8:30am. Clean up
10:00am. The party is officially over...till next year!

Gear

Each runner is responsible for their own running kit including snacks and clothing appropriate for the possibility of rain and/or snow and/or daytime temperatures in the mid 70’s.  Comfortable evening and sleepwear, personal toiletries, and a sleeping bag/pillow are essential for the lodge.

Trip Insurance

Every year we have at least one runner who due to injury, illness, or personal/familial circumstances can not participate in their registered trip.  While registrations can be transferred, Aspire does not issue refunds. We strongly encourage each runner to purchase 3rd party trip insurance that will reimburse the cost of registration in the event that you are unable to participate in the event.

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: 3:25 AM PT