Saturday September 9th 2017
Travelling through the heart of the North Cascades National Park, this series offers up courses for runners of all abilities. Starting at various points along the Hwy 20 corridor, each route climbs a different mountain pass and descends alongside glacial creeks into the Thunder drainage. All courses converge and conclude on the turquoise shores of Diablo Lake where food and friends abound.
4th Panther 12M
Follow the frothing waters of Panther Creek and ascend the forested path through wild old growth forest to the 4th of July Pass. Take a break at the pass and enjoy views of Snowfield and Colonial Peaks before the steep decent into the Thunder drainage.
Easy Pass 25M
Easy Pass and the Fisher Basin are among the most superb places in the North Cascades. A short steep trail gains Easy Pass and rewards the traveler with panoramic vistas of Fisher Basin and Mounts Logan, Fisher, and Arriva. From this high point the course descends over 20 miles of flowing trail along Fisher Creek. Here runners pass through expansive meadows crowned by glacial peaks and remote mossy forests as they wind their way into the Thunder basin.
Park Creek Pass 42M
This long run of the series begins at the Bridge Creek Trail head and makes a gentle drop in elevation following the trail’s namesake to the confluence of the Stehekin River. After a 12 mile river stretch, the course turns north following Park Creek to the 6,100’ notch between Mt. Logan and Mt. Buckner. At the pass runners behold alpine peaks, glacially carved valleys, and the creek side trail that will escort them to Diablo Lake, only 18 miles away.
Itinerary
Aspire is committed to providing exceptional service and support to ensure an unforgettable running experience. The following schedule is a tentative outline to guide travel arrangements. Runners registering for the Park Creek route should plan for a Friday overnight camp and a subsequent early start on Saturday. Runners registering for the Easy Pass or 4th Panther routes, have the option of a Friday night camp or Saturday morning departure.
Friday 8thSeptember
5:00pm. Park Creek 42M and other self-selected runners convene in Burlington WA. I-5 Exit#232.
- Meet in the parking lot of Bob’s Burgers and Brews.
- Address: 9440 Old Hwy 99 N, Bow, WA 98232.
- Look for the green Suburban with “Aspire Adventure Running” decals.
5:30. Depart for North Cascades campsite.
7:00. Arrive camp. Aspire will serve an evening meal; conduct a course overview and orientation for the Park Creek 42M course. Runners pack/prep for an early start.
Saturday 9th September
5:30am. Wake up. Enjoy a hot pre-run breakfast. Prep and pack for the day’s run.
6:30. Park Creek group depart for Bridge Creek Trailhead.
7:30. Run. Travel time for Park Creek 42M course estimated between 9-14 hours.
8:00am. Easy Pass 24M runners convene in Burlington WA. I-5 Exit#232.
- Meet in the parking lot of Bob’s Burgers and Brews.
- Address: 9440 Old Hwy 99 N, Bow, WA 98232.
- Look for the green Suburban with “Aspire Adventure Running” decals.
8:30. Depart for Easy Pass trail head.
10:00. Drop Easy Pass Runners. Run. Course travel time estimated between 4-9 hours.
11:00am. 4th Panther 12M runners convene in Burlington WA. I-5 Exit#232.
- Meet in the parking lot of Bob’s Burgers and Brews.
- Address: 9440 Old Hwy 99 N, Bow, WA 98232.
- Look for the green Suburban with “Aspire Adventure Running” decals.
11:30. Depart for Easy Pass Trailhead
1:00. Drop 4th Panther runners. Course travel time Estimated between 2-4 hours.
2–6:30. All runners arrive at the Diablo Lake finish. Race bags, personal gear and equipment will all be waiting. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and post run celebrations.
7-10pm. Multiple van departures for Burlington WA.
8:30-11:30. Arrive Burlington.
Gear
Running Gear
Each runner should come equipped with a personal running pack/vest, hydration system, water filtration, and personal snacks. Aspire has a selection of bars, gels, electrolytes etc. available, but we also encourage folks to bring foods that they are accustomed to for long runs. Running clothing should include a system that includes, a wind/waterproof jacket and an insulative layer. All runners must bring a bag of post-run clothing options that includes a down/synthetic jacket, wind/water resistant outer layer, dry clothing, and dry shoes.
Camping Gear
A tent, sleeping bag, pad, and camp clothing suitable for a spectrum of mountain weather. If your travelling from out of town or don’t want to worry about overnight gear, this equipment is available for rent with registration.
Cost
4th Panther $100
Easy Pass $120
Park Creek $140