White River
25K50K50M
Rainshadow Running
Jul 25, 2026
WashingtonChase golden larches up the Loup
Overview
As autumn paints the eastern edge of the North Cascades in molten gold, Larch Madness welcomes you to the secluded slopes of Loup Loup Ski Bowl. Towering larches flare against crisp blue skies while a carnival of crunchy leaves swirls around racers and supporters alike. Expect an energetic mountain-town vibe where cowbells mingle with pine-scented air and wood-fire smoke from the camp-circle after-party.
The course is equal parts thrill ride and character builder: steep jeep roads, rowdy ski runs, and rugged off-trail traverses keep your heart thumping and your senses firing. Finish strong, then refuel with Rainshadow’s legendary potluck feast while swapping trail tales beneath a blanket of stars.
Key Highlights
Loup Loup Ski Bowl on the eastern edge of the North Cascades
Combination of steep ski runs, rough jeep roads, and up to 45% off-trail sections
Loose dirt, rocks, rugged alpine terrain
Expect cold temps, possible snow, and slippery footing
High-traction shoes and trekking poles recommended for longer distances
UTMB Index: falseTrail Sisters ApprovedDog FriendlyCuplessVegan Friendly
300 participant limit
Course
Elevation Gain9,100 ft
Elevation Loss9,100 ft
Max Altitude4,020 ft
Cutoff Time18HR
Starting at the base lodge, each loop claws up Little Buck Mountain before diving down black-diamond ski runs that test every ankle turn and quad burn. The Blue Loop (5K) circles the resort perimeter, while the Yellow and Pink Loops stack vert with ruthless efficiency. Expect loose scree, grassy meadows dotted with larch needles, the occasional dusting of snow, and panoramic views that sweep from the Methow Valley to jagged North Cascade peaks. Shoes with sticky lugs and optional trekking poles are wise companions.
Loops
50K athletes alternate Yellow and Pink loops five times before a final Blue victory lap
25K racers tackle a Blue-Yellow-Pink-Yellow-Pink sandwich15K completes Blue-Yellow-Pink once
5K conquers a single Blue
Aid and drop bags greet you at the lodge between every circuit, never far in distance, but sometimes ages away in effort.
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Aid Stations
All distances except the 5K hit a fully stocked lodge-side aid station before and after every loop, roughly every 2–4 miles. Expect water, soda, Gnarly electrolyte, PB&J sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, cookies, candy, gels, basic first-aid supplies, and menstrual products. Drop bags and crew access share this location under a large, tarp-covered staging area.
Logistics
Schedule
Friday
5:00PM → Site opens for camping
10:00PM → Quiet time begins
Saturday
6:00AM → Bib pick-up opens
7:00AM → All races start
6:18PM → Sunset; headlamps required afterward
11:00PM → 50K final-loop cut-off
Sunday
1:00AM → Course closes
10:00AM → Campground closes
Bib Pickup
Race-morning pick-up runs from 6:00AM to 6:45AM at the base lodge. Bring photo ID and proof of registration.
Drop Bags
Place clearly labeled bags on the designated tarps beside check-in on Saturday morning. Bags return to the same spot after your finish; unclaimed items relocate to lost-and-found at 9:00AM Sunday before being donated after two weeks. Waterproof sacks strongly encouraged for wet weather.
Crew & Pacers
Crew and spectators may cheer from the base lodge and aid-station zone. Please stay off ski runs during active racing, respect course markings, and yield to runners at all times. Visitor meal wristbands are available for $20 and grant access to the finish-line feast.
Swag & Medals
All finishers earn a handmade wooden medallion and entry to the post-race feast. Optional premium t-shirts and hoodies are available during registration through September 18 2025.
Professionally marked course
Post-race party with food and drinks (included for runners; friends/family $20)
Optional dispersed camping at start/finish ($25 for two nights; proceeds support Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation)
Free race photos
Option to purchase race merch during registration
Getting There
Driving Directions
Passes & Permits
No passes or permits required.
Parking
No forest or state recreation pass is required at Loup Loup Ski Bowl parking areas. Ample gravel parking lies adjacent to the base lodge for runners and crew. Overflow lots open along NF-4200 if needed. Overnight campers park in designated spaces near the meadow; please follow volunteer guidance. Carpooling is encouraged.
Lodging
Dispersed camping at the start-finish is $25 per adult for Friday and Saturday nights and includes potable water and restroom access. Hotels, motels, and vacation rentals are available in Twisp and Winthrop (14–18 miles west) as well as Omak and Okanogan (20 miles east).
Ellensburg, washington
Requirements
No qualifying races are required, but steep, loose terrain and extended time on feet demand solid mountain fitness. Recommended experience includes at least one trail race of similar distance or 3,000 ft of climbing per 10M during training.
Mandatory Gear
While not strictly required, racers are strongly encouraged to carry:
Water capacity for two hours between aid visits
Weatherproof jacket and warm layer for high-country chills
Grippy trail shoes; micro-spikes if snow threatens
Headlamp with spare batteries for late finishes
Trekking poles for extended climbs and loose descents
Policies
Race Policies
Dog Policy
Charity & Beneficiary
All camping and firewood fees plus a portion of race proceeds benefit the Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that fosters community-focused, family-friendly alpine recreation.
Land Acknowledgement
This event takes place on the ancestral homelands of the sʔukʷnaʔqín/Okanogan People, citizens of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. We honor their enduring relationship to the mountains, forests, and waterways that make this race possible.
About Rainshadow Running
Rainshadow Running is known for hosting some of the most scenic, challenging, and well-loved trail races in the Pacific Northwest. Since 2006, we've brought runners together on rugged mountain trails, coastal bluffs, and remote desert ridges, places that inspire awe and demand grit.
Our races are more than just miles; they’re celebrations of community, nature, and the wild beauty of the land. Whether you're chasing a PR or just here for the post-race party with wood-fired pizza and bluegrass music, you're part of the Rainshadow family.
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