Church Mountain
9 miles (out-n-back) 4,000’ of Gain/LOss
Believers, agnostics, and atheists can all agree that the views from Church Mt. are exquisite. This trail climbs a relentless set of switchbacks through the evergreen forest to a rocky summit of big views of big mountains.
Sunset Series
The trails connecting the peaks, ridge-lines, glaciers, and summits of the Nooksack Valley are some of the most stunning and accessible terrain in the North Cascades. Interspersed with our larger summer adventures Aspire will be leading a few outings to a selection of some of our favorite trails. These runs are low key affairs, all paces are welcome. We BBQ after each run and always get home after dark.
Itinerary
Each Sunset run follows the same basic itinerary. Times for arriving at trailheads and getting back to Bellingham vary by destination.
3:00pm: Meet in Bellingham
Each trip begins in the Bellingham Safeway Parking Lot (Address: 1297 East Sunset Dr.) We’ll do introductions, arrange carpooling, and head for the hills.
4-5:00pm: Trailhead Arrival, Run
Aspire crew travels with each group. Someone is always at the front leading the way and someone is always at the rear “sweeping” behind the group. Distances and elevation gain/loss vary by destination.
9-10:00pm: BBQ at the Trailhead
Aspire will provide meat/veggie burgers and cold drinks. All participants are encouraged to bring a side/salad/dessert to share!
11:00pm-12:00am: Return to Bellingham
Gear
Summers in the North Cascades in their ideal are shorts and t-shirts affairs. However, inclement weather or a twisted ankle can quickly sour an evening jaunt. Each runner should carry: a light wind/rain shell, snacks, water, a headlamp, an emergency bivy blanket, warm hat/gloves, and personal first aid supplies. Each runner should have a warm jacket, hat, and dry clothes in a finish “drop” bag.
On the trail Aspire crew will have emergency communication devices, first aid kits, and water filters on hand for emergencies. At the trail head we’ll have a large. water jug and all the BBQ supplies.
Event's current local time: 4:58 AM PT
