A high-altitude adventure through golden larches and technical ridgelines in the Eastern Cascades
Overview
October in the Eastern Cascades is pure magic, and Mad Meadows captures it all. Golden larches light up the slopes, trails twist through meadows and old burns, and high ridges open up sweeping views of Clark Mountain, Dakobed, and the Entiat River Valley. This is more than a race—it is a celebration of autumn in the mountains, where runners, volunteers, and crews come together in one of the most spectacular alpine settings in the Pacific Northwest.
The Mad Meadows course is no stroll. With steep climbs, long technical sections, and punchy ridge trails, it demands grit and rewards persistence with moments of absolute trail-running bliss. Whether you’re crewing, volunteering, or racing, expect an unforgettable day filled with camaraderie, challenge, and the thrill of mountain running.
Aid Stations
Runners will find a mix of classic ultra fuel and hearty hot food at major aid stations, with PB&Js, gels, gummies, and electrolyte drinks to keep legs moving. Basalt and Chikamin Aid Stations will offer hot food, while Mad Meadows is a hike-in aid station with lighter fare such as gels, water, and electrolytes.
50M Aid Stations: 7M Rock Creek, 13M Basalt, 22M water only, 26M Chikamin, 35M Basalt, 44M Entiat
50K Aid Stations: 4M Minnow, 9M Chikamin, 17M Mad Meadows, 27M Entiat
Logistics
Schedule
5:00AM Packet pickup opens at Grouse Creek Campground
6:00AM 50M start
6:30AM 50K start
8:30AM Kid’s Race start
8:00PM Course closes
Bib Pickup
Packet pickup is offered on race morning starting at 5:00AM at the Grouse Creek Group Campground.
Drop Bags
Drop bags will be transported to aid stations. 50M runners may send drop bags to Basalt Aid Station and Chikamin Aid Station. 50K runners may send drop bags to Chikamin Aid Station. Bags left behind will be held at the finish.
Crew & Pacers
Crew members may meet runners at Rock Creek, Basalt, Chikamin, and Entiat Aid Stations. Spectators are welcome at the start and finish but must respect parking limitations and forest regulations.
Swag & Medals
All runners will be welcomed at the finish line with hearty hot food and drinks. Evergreen Trail Runs also offers the “Buy a Tree Not a Tee” option in partnership with Trees not Tees. Finisher medals and optional shirts are available.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Wenatchee (EAT), about a 1-hour drive. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the closest major airport, about 3 hours away. Nearby towns include Lake Wenatchee, Leavenworth, and Plain.
Driving Directions
Race start and finish at Grouse Creek Group Campground, Chiwawa River Road, Plain, WA
Parking
Limited parking is available at Grouse Creek Campground. Runners and crew are strongly encouraged to carpool. Camping nearby or biking/walking to the start is recommended.
Lodging
USFS campgrounds and dispersed camping are available nearby. Additional lodging can be found in Lake Wenatchee, Leavenworth, and Plain.
Requirements
This is a challenging mountain ultra with long climbs, rugged terrain, and remote aid stations. Runners should have prior trail racing experience and be comfortable with self-sufficiency in the backcountry.
Mandatory Gear
50M runners must carry:
Light rain/wind jacket
2L water capacity
Headlamp
Course GPS downloaded to phone or watch
50K runners must carry:
Light rain/wind jacket 1L water capacity
Course GPS downloaded to phone or watch
Policies
Race Policies
Kid & Youth Policy
Mad Meadows hosts a free 1M kid’s race as part of the Woodland Speeders program. Parents are welcome to run alongside their kids. Youth registration is available during sign-up or on race day.
Charity & Beneficiary
Mad Meadows supports the Washington Trails Association, an organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining trails across Washington state
Land Acknowledgement
Mad Meadows takes place on the traditional lands of the Np̓əšqʷáw̓səxʷ (Wenatchi), Yakama, and Coast Salish Peoples. We honor their stewardship of these lands since time immemorial and encourage all participants to recreate with respect. Learn more through the Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement and practice mindful trail use.
About Evergreen Trail Runs

Evergreen Trail Runs is a Pacific Northwest-based trail racing organization dedicated to creating inclusive, community-oriented events across Western Washington. Founded in 2010 by Roger Michel and Yumay Chang, Evergreen began with a vision to connect runners with the region’s rich network of trails. Now a part of Orca Running, Evergreen Trail Runs continues to thrive under the leadership of Co-Owners Katie Warren, Porter Bratten, and Ashley Lee.
What sets Evergreen apart is its approachable and friendly atmosphere, along with its deep respect for the natural environment. The crew behind the scenes are mountain lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who bring that passion to every event—from race logistics and course setup to volunteer coordination and marketing. The team is a tight-knit group of runners, adventurers, and professionals who live and breathe the outdoors, including avalanche forecasters, endurance athletes, and social media storytellers.
Evergreen Trail Runs is more than just a race organizer—it’s a movement rooted in stewardship, adventure, and joy on the trails. Runners show up not just to race, but to be part of something bigger: a trail-loving, mountain-moving, environmentally conscious community.

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





