This is Beast of Big Creek! A mountain race to the summit of magnificent Mount Ellinor in the Olympic Mountains; and the International Skyrunning Federation's only certified Skyrace course in the United States.
Celebrate our 15th Anniversary race above Lake Cushman by Hoodsport, Washington on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula.
We're offering two race distances: a 14 miler and a 5 miler.
What you come out here for is our Skyrace. A 14 miler with over 5,200ft of vertical gain and loss to the actual summit of Mount Ellinor. This one's tough and beautiful.
The shorter Forest Loop is a 5 miler with 1,200ft of vert on lush trails along streams through old-growth forest.
Start and finish is at Big Creek Campground. We'll be having a finish line BBQ and invite you to linger and cheer on the finishers.
Both races begins and end at Big Creek Campground.
The summit race is about 14 miles and leads on the Mt Ellinor trail from Big Creek campground to the actual summit of Mt Ellinor with a total elevation gain of over 5,000ft. There you turn around and head back to where you came from. The upper section of this trail is gnarly!
The Forest Race loops along the Big Creek trail with a much more manageable elevation gain of about 1,200ft in 5 miles.
Thanks to the efforts of the Mt. Rose Trail Crew, the track is in wonderful condition. Potential hazards include yellow jackets and horseflies the size of helicopters. Despite the danger, we ask that everybody remain on the trail (as long as it is safe to do so) to avoid any resource damage. The only exception to racing off the trail is for the summit racers on the summit block only. Once the summit block is reached, feel free to scramble it directly or follow the trail to the top if you wish. Once you leave the summit block for the descent, do your best to not stray too far off the trail on the way down.
We are asking you to be back at the finish in ~6hrs. If you would like to join us but are worried you won't make it in time we will allow you to start 30min early. Please reach out to us to arrange this. The spirit of our event is that you get to the summit and back as fast as you possibly can; this is an athletic endeavor and a test of fitness rather than a hike. No cut-off is enforced for the short course.
We will have a full stocked aid station about half-way up the mountain (at the upper trailhead parking lot). Aid station is stocked with water, Tailwind, soda, fruit, chips, pickles and a few other treats. Basic first aid supplies are available too. We invite you to our post-race grilling at the finish line.
All our races are cupless events. Bring a collapsible cup for fluids at the aid stations. For folks who forgot their cup you'll be able to purchase one at race pickup.
In our effort to reduce waste we will have very few trash cans at the event. We aim to recycle an and compost most of our waste. Please be mindful of our environment.
Beast of Big Creek will take place in early August. Often the early part, in the woods is shady and cool, but once you make it above tree line you will be exposed to the sun. Prepare for alpine conditions. Bring sunscreen and potentially an extra layer.
The trails are open to all other forest users on race day. Most everybody will be stoked to see you out there.
Race packets can be picked up on race day starting at 6:30am at Big Creek Campground Loop A+B. Campers arriving the day prior will be able to pickup their race package on Friday from 6pm - 8pm.
We will be using loops A and B for the majority of our parking. Use the shoulders in those camp loops and display a pass. Day passes are 5 bucks and purchased in the main parking lot if you don’t have a federal lands pass already. If we fill the camp loop roads, we can park in the main lot or out on the main road outside the campground. Don’t block any roads or camp sites. Vehicles need to be able to use all roads we park on.
We’ll be in Big Creek Campground Loop A & B. 11 spots will be available for preorder through Rock Candy Running. ALL FULL.
The gates on Loops A and B will be closed on Friday. Signs will direct you to our race HQ to get your assigned spot.
The remainder of Big Creek Campground will be full. Summers are busy in Hoodsport so established camping will be hard to come by on a last minute basis, so plan ahead.
Contact us for questions.
Join our Strava group to stay up to date with upcoming opportunities to explore the courses.
Address: Big Creek Campground, Hoodsport, WA 98548
The Beast of Big Creek Trail Race is operating under a special use permit from the USDA - Forest Service on the Olympic National Forest. Our experience working with the Forest Service these past 11 years has been nothing but positive. Big ups to these dedicated professionals who truly want everybody to enjoy and protect our public lands.
And a honorable mention to the amazing Mt. Rose Trail crew for keeping up these amazing trail.
