Backcountry Rise - Toutle, Washington - Running

The Backcountry Rise is a Running race in Toutle, Washington consisting of a Half Marathon Trail Run.

Welcome to a majestic backcountry rising from the ashes of the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. With its sapphire lakes, rugged, toothy peaks and wildflower-blanketed slopes, the Mt. Margaret Backcountry north of Mt. St. Helens provides an unforgettably unique and stunning trail race experience. The power and resilience of Mother Nature is truly on full display here in the backcountry.

The Backcountry Rise Trail Runs include three different challenging and remote loop courses: a 50K, 20 mile and a half-marathon. All three distances start and finish at the spectacular Mt. St. Helens Science & Learning Center, itself a destination venue perched on the slopes above Coldwater Lake. Each race offers lakeside charm, big climbs and stunning ridgeline views of the surrounding Cascade Volcanoes. Course highlights also include several stunning mountain lakes, rushing creeks and abundant wildlife including resident mountain goats, elk, deer, cougar and many more.