Winter Solstice Vertical Challenge
Quilcene, United States • 20 Dec 2025
Event overview
The Winter Solstice Vertical Challenge returns for its fifth year on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Mt. Walker trailhead in Quilcene, Washington, inside Olympic National Forest. The event uses a "fatass" format in which participants may run or hike as many laps as they wish. Aid will be available at the trailhead, and nutrition is donated by Skratch Labs. A photographer will be on course. Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash and cleaned up after. After event costs are covered, proceeds will go to the Washington Trail Association. Organizers request volunteers for morning set up and evening breakdown.
Course and logistics
- 2 miles one way (about 4 miles round trip)
- Repeats add distance in 4-mile increments
The course has roughly 2,100 feet of elevation gain, with a minimum elevation near 784 ft and a maximum near 2,797 ft. No parking pass is required at the trailhead. Registration is handled online and photos from prior years are available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.