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.
A qualifying race in the Vert Running Series by Mountain Running Races.
We're offering two race distances: a 22km/14 miler and a 8km/5 miler.
What you come out here for is our Skyrace. A 22km or 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 8 km or 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.
We're working on several changes for our Beast of Big Creek weekend. Mainly we want to make the event bigger so more folks can experience the brutal beauty of climbing Mount Ellinor. The race routes will be minimally impacted, if at all. But due to the changes we're working with the National Forest on a new permit, which will take until late March to be approved. Because of this we won't be able to open registration for the Forest Loop race until that time. Registration for the Skyrace is now open, but only for the original 150 runners. So act fast!
Also new for 2025: The Beast of Big Creek Skyrace will be a qualifying race in the Vert Running Series by Mountain Running Races.
Skyrace (22K/14M)
Location: Big Creek Campground
Date: 02 Aug 2025
+ UltraSignup fees
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.
Updated information about camping will follow in late March!
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.
Skyrace (22K/14M)
Location: Big Creek Campground
Date: 02 Aug 2025
+ UltraSignup fees