Description
Situated in the North Cascades National Park, the Ross Lake Rally offers a set of runs that blend early season mountain access, significant and moderate elevation, and spectacular trails along the shores of Ross Lake. After an initial evening dinner, orientation, and overnight at the Colonial Creek Campground runners are shuttled via water taxi to two respective starts and subsequently run their way lakeside back to a well stocked basecamp finish.
50K 5,500' of Elevation Gain
Lake views of Hozomeen Peak and spectacular views of Ross Lake with an optional mid-run swim. This run goes in and out of creek drainages, suspension bridges, and fields of wildflowers. The trail will take you out to Highway 20, where the shuttle will take you back into Colonial Creek Campground.
25K 2,800′ of Elevation Gain
The 25K runners get a similar boat taxi, but their not quite as far up the lake. Their run doesn't include Desolation, just the scenic lake side views of the North Cascades.
Marathon 7,000' of Elevation Gain
Desolation Peak, is accessed via boat taxi to the trailhead, the start of a 4,500’ climb up to the iconic lookout, where runners are rewarded with expansive views of craggy peaks, snowy glaciers, and fiord-like Ross Lake. From the summit it’s all downhill and rolling lakeside trail to Highway and a shuttle back to base-camp.
40 Miler 9,500’ of Elevation Gain
This run shares the first 26 miles with the marathon course. However, after an aid station at Highway 20 the run continues up the Panther Creek Trail to the 4th of July Pass and then descends into the Thunder Creek drainage to the shores of Diablo Lake. The trail terminates at the Colonial Creek Campground.
About Aspire
Aspire courses are non-competitive runs that embrace the challenge and adventure of traveling in wild and scenic terrain. Each event operates in accordance with its respective wilderness land use designation and authorization. Course fees include: transportation, the safety net of a trail guide, and a post run celebratory meal. Check out our website for more information: www.AspireAdventureRunning.com
Event's current local time: 11:40 AM PT
