Take on one of the Pacific Northwest’s toughest and most beloved 100-mile mountain adventures
Overview
Cascade Crest is more than just a 100-mile race. It’s a legendary gathering of runners, volunteers, and community in the little town of Easton, Washington. Starting and finishing at the Easton Fire Station, this race has been challenging and inspiring trail runners for decades.
Expect buttery singletrack on the Pacific Crest Trail, wild backcountry ridgelines, the eerie passage of the 2.5-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel, and a whole lot of “raw and rugged” adventure in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. You’ll be cheered back into town with the famous welcome: “Welcome back to Easton!”
Course
The Cascade Crest 100M is a clockwise loop that begins and ends at the Easton Fire Station. The course travels through the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington State Parks, and the Snoqualmie–Mt. Baker National Forest. Runners experience nearly 30 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail, climb up steep ridges, cross rugged terrain, and journey through the dark Snoqualmie Tunnel.
Key highlights include the “Trail From Hell,” stunning views from alpine ridgelines, and the famous Cardiac Needles near the end — a soul-testing series of climbs that make the final miles unforgettable. This is a mountain ultra at its best: tough, remote, and breathtaking.
Aid Stations
Cascade Crest aid stations are legendary — not just for the food, but for the community atmosphere. Runners will find everything from water and electrolytes to burritos, grilled cheese, and even pirogues. Vegan soup is served at night stations, coffee keeps you moving, and ice is plentiful on hot days.
Aid Station Details:
Mile 4.5 → Goat Peak → Water only
Mile 12.5 → Cole-Blowout Saddle → Cutoff 1:00PM
Mile 19.7 → Little Bear → Minimal aid
Mile 25.4 → Tacoma Pass → Drop Bag ✅ → Cutoff 5:00PM
Mile 36.2 → Stampede Pass → Drop Bag ✅ → Cutoff 8:30PM (must leave with lights)
Mile 43.2 → Meadow Mountain
Mile 49.1 → Olallie Meadows
Mile 54.3 → Hyak → Drop Bag ✅ → Cutoff 3:00AM
Mile 62.4 → Keechelus Ridge
Mile 69.2 → Lake Kachess → Drop Bag ✅ → Cutoff 8:00AM
Mile 75 → Mineral Creek → Drop Bag ✅
Mile 78.6 → No Name Road → Unmanned water stop
Mile 81.6 → No Name Ridge → Cutoff 12:30PM
Mile 86.4 → Thorp Mountain → Limited aid
Mile 89.2 → French Cabin → Remote aid only
Mile 96 → Silver Creek → Cutoff 6:15PM
Mile 100 → Finish
Logistics
Schedule
Friday, August 22
6:30-8:45AM | Drop Bag Drop Off behind the fire station
6:45-8:30AM | Race Check-in at the fire station
7:00AM | Early Start (optional for runners over 60)
8:30AM | Mandatory Race Briefing
8:55AM | National Anthem
9:00AM | Race Start
9:30AM | Crew Meeting at the Fire Station
Saturday, August 23
7:00PM | Course closes
Bib Pickup
Bib pickup takes place on Friday morning at the Easton Fire Station. Check-in is mandatory and all runners must be checked in by 8:30AM.
Drop Bags
Drop bags can be left on Friday morning at the fire station between 6:30-8:45AM. There are five drop bag locations: Tacoma Pass, Stampede Pass, Hyak, Lake Kachess, and Mineral Creek. Bags must be retrieved after the race from the fire station. Leftover bags will be donated or discarded.
Crew & Pacers
Crews and pacers are welcome at Cascade Crest, but must follow strict access rules to protect the forest roads. Crews may access designated aid stations only.
Pacers can begin at Hyak (mile 54).
Visitors are encouraged to cheer at Easton, Hyak, and the finish line.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Cascade Crest. From aid stations to course marking, there are countless ways to help. Sign up here: https://cascadecrest100.com/volunteer
Swag & Medals
All finishers earn the coveted Cascade Crest belt buckle. Runners also receive race swag, and there is post-race food and celebration at the finish line.
Getting There
The nearest airport is SEATAC International Airport, about 75 miles from Easton. Cle Elum (10 miles) and Snoqualmie Pass (near Hyak) are common overnight stays.
Driving Directions
The start and finish of the race is at the Easton Fire Station.
Easton Fire Station
180 Cabin Creek Rd, Easton, WA 98925
Passes & Permits
No passes or permits required.
Parking
Parking is available at the fire station for start and finish. Crew parking at aid stations is limited and must follow race rules. No overnight parking at Olallie Meadows.
Lodging
Camping is available at Lake Easton State Park and nearby Forest Service sites.
Hotels and motels can be found in Cle Elum and Snoqualmie Pass.
Requirements
Cascade Crest is a challenging 100-mile race. Prior ultramarathon experience is strongly recommended. Runners must be prepared for technical mountain terrain, weather extremes, and long stretches of self-sufficiency.
Qualifying Races
Runners must have completed a 50M or longer race within the past two years to qualify.
Trail Work
All runners must complete and submit proof of 8 hours of volunteer trail work prior to race day.
Mandatory Gear
The only mandatory gear is a headlamp or light when leaving Stampede Pass.
Policies
Race Policies
Charity & Beneficiary
Proceeds from Cascade Crest support the Pacific Crest Trail Association, Washington Trails Association, the Easton Fire Department, and other local organizations.
Land Acknowledgement
Cascade Crest takes place on the ancestral lands of the Yakama Nation and other Indigenous peoples of the Central Cascades. We honor their stewardship and presence on these lands past, present, and future.
About Jess Mullen
Race produced by Jess Mullen.
View all Jess Mullen races on Kåduka →
Disclaimer
We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information on Kåduka, but details may change. Please always confirm the latest information on the official race website. See something that needs correcting? Send us a note at feedback@kaduka.app