2026 Backcountry Rise
- Date Sat 29th August 2026
- Time 8:00AM PDT
- Location Toutle, Washington
- Price Free
- Races 3 races
- Distances Ultra, Half Marathon
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the 2026 Backcountry Rise, taking place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the stunning Toutle, Cowlitz region. This unique trail race invites participants to explore the breathtaking Mt. Margaret Backcountry, a spectacular area reborn from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Experience the beauty of sapphire lakes, rugged peaks, and vibrant wildflower slopes while tackling one of three challenging race distances: a 50K, a 20-Miler, or a Half Marathon.
The 50K and 20-Miler courses promise exhilarating climbs, sweeping descents, and jaw-dropping ridgeline views of the iconic Cascade Volcanoes. Meanwhile, the Half Marathon offers a scenic loop around the tranquil Coldwater Lake, showcasing high mountain lakes, rushing creeks, and the rich wildlife of the region, including resident mountain goats, elk, and soaring raptors. Join us for this celebration of nature's resilience and beauty in a stunning backcountry setting!
The 50K and 20-Miler courses promise exhilarating climbs, sweeping descents, and jaw-dropping ridgeline views of the iconic Cascade Volcanoes. Meanwhile, the Half Marathon offers a scenic loop around the tranquil Coldwater Lake, showcasing high mountain lakes, rushing creeks, and the rich wildlife of the region, including resident mountain goats, elk, and soaring raptors. Join us for this celebration of nature's resilience and beauty in a stunning backcountry setting!
Organiser's Description
Welcome to a majestic backcountry rising from the ashes of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. With its sapphire lakes, rugged, toothy peaks and wildflower-blanketed slopes, the Mt. Margaret Backcountry on the northern blast zone side of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument provides an unforgettably unique, remote and beautiful trail race experience. The power and resilience of Mother Nature is truly on full display here in the backcountry.
Backcountry Rise includes three different challenging and remote trail loop courses: a 50K a 20-Miler and Half Marathon on Saturday. The 50K and 20 miler offer big climbs, sweeping descents and stunning ridgeline views of the surrounding Cascade Volcanoes. The Half Marathon is the classic loop around Coldwater Lake. High mountain lakes, rushing creeks and abundant wildlife dot the landscape, including resident mountain goats, elk, deer, bear, cougar, soaring raptors and many more.
Land Acknowledgement: We recognize that we gather for this event on the traditional, unceded lands of the Cowlitz people who have occupied and stewarded these lands for countless generations. We respect their right to self-determination and their sacred connection to these lands and waters.
Backcountry Rise includes three different challenging and remote trail loop courses: a 50K a 20-Miler and Half Marathon on Saturday. The 50K and 20 miler offer big climbs, sweeping descents and stunning ridgeline views of the surrounding Cascade Volcanoes. The Half Marathon is the classic loop around Coldwater Lake. High mountain lakes, rushing creeks and abundant wildlife dot the landscape, including resident mountain goats, elk, deer, bear, cougar, soaring raptors and many more.
Land Acknowledgement: We recognize that we gather for this event on the traditional, unceded lands of the Cowlitz people who have occupied and stewarded these lands for countless generations. We respect their right to self-determination and their sacred connection to these lands and waters.
Races
-
50k
Sat 29th August 2026 (9:00AM PDT)
Free
CLOSED -
Half-Marathon
Sat 29th August 2026 (9:00AM PDT)
Free
CLOSED -
20-Miler
Sat 29th August 2026 (8:00AM PDT)
Free
CLOSED
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19000 Spirit Lake Hwy, Toutle, 98649, WA, United States
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2026 Backcountry Rise
