Volcanic 50

The Event

The Volcanic 50 is a rugged trail race held on the active volcano Mount St. Helens in Washington state. The event takes place in August and features two distances: a 50K and a 25K.

The Courses

Both races start and finish at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

The 50K course circumnavigates the entire mountain on the single-track Loowit Trail. It covers approximately 32 miles with 7,400 feet of elevation gain and 7,400 feet of loss. The terrain includes large boulder fields, river crossings, the blast zone, steep drainages (some with rope assists), and dense forest. A link to a previous 50K trail race or Volcanic 25K result is required for registration.

The 25K course provides a shorter option that includes some of the 50K's features, such as boulder fields, sections of the Loowit Trail, and forest. This course has 3,300 feet of elevation gain and loss.

Registration & Logistics

Registration is handled through UltraSignup and closes on July 24th. The event has a no-transfer, no-refund policy, but credits for future races are available under certain conditions. Bib pickup occurs at the start/finish line on race morning. A Trail Mix Fund is available to assist runners who cannot afford the entry fee.

After the Race

A post-race gathering features food and drinks, including BBQ and beverages from event sponsors. All finishers receive a pint glass. Top finishers in each category receive awards, and many raffle prizes are given away.

Travel & Accommodation

The Marble Mountain Sno-Park is approximately a 2-hour drive from Portland and a 4-hour drive from Seattle. Car-camping is permitted at the sno-park the night before the race, but there is no running water on site. The nearest town for supplies and lodging is Cougar, about 30 minutes away. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.