Backcountry Rise - Toutle, WA

Event overview

Backcountry Rise is a trail running event on August 29, 2026, staged from the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center above Coldwater Lake in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Toutle, Washington. The event uses the Mt. Margaret Backcountry on the northern blast zone side of the monument. Camping, parking, and use of the Science & Learning Center are included with registration; field camp sites are available for a fee. A portion of proceeds supports the Mt. St. Helens Institute. The event operates under a Special Use Permit from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, U.S. Forest Service.

Distances

• 50K - one clockwise loop, 7,600 ft gain and 7,600 ft loss, three aid stations.
• 20 Miler - one clockwise loop, 4,800 ft gain and 4,800 ft loss, two aid stations.
• Half Marathon - clockwise loop around Coldwater Lake, 2,800 ft gain and 2,800 ft loss, two aid stations.

Course character, requirements and logistics

Courses are primarily singletrack trail and include remote, exposed sections with significant climbing and descending. An alternate course option will be used in 2026 because of an ongoing road closure affecting access. The 50K requires prior mountain ultra experience or a prior Backcountry Rise 20 miler finish. Minimum gear rules apply and required items must be shown at check-in; minimum fluid capacity guidance is 35-40 ounces for the 50K and 12-20 ounces for the 20 miler and half marathon. Race services include marked courses, aid stations, chip timing with live results, professional medical support, a post-race meal, and a custom finisher award. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.