Overview
The Deception Pass 50K is a rugged and scenic ultramarathon hosted by Rainshadow Running at Deception Pass State Park in Oak Harbor, Washington. Runners weave through nearly every corner of the park, from rocky coastlines to mossy forests, and cross the iconic Deception Pass Bridge high above the swirling waters. While there aren’t long mountain climbs, the trails are narrow, technical, and deceptively challenging with constant twists, roots, and short steep pitches. This is one of Rainshadow’s faster courses but still a stout test.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Registration
Opens
Aug 8, 2025, 12:00 PM
Closes
Dec 7, 2025, 11:59 PM
Registration Fee
$160
Official race details:
This race is Trail Mix Fund eligible!
The Trail Mix Fund helps remove barriers in trail racing by covering race entry fees for under-served and under-represented runners, creating a more diverse and welcoming start line.
Course
Distance:
50
K
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
4, 300 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
4, 300 ft
Max altitude:
469 ft
Start time:
Dec 13, 2025
7:00 AM
Cutoff time:
6HR, 8HR, Unlimited
Course Description
From West Point Amphitheater, runners skirt Cranberry Lake on pavement for a mile before diving onto singletrack that winds through coastal firs, skirts sheer sea cliffs, and twice crosses the iconic Deception Pass Bridge. Expect technical footing, tight switchbacks, and punchy hills that reward you with sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and snow-capped Baker on a clear day.
50K runners tackle a pair of lollipop loops in the Hoypus Hill forest after summiting Goose Rock, while 25K athletes complete one grand loop over the park’s signature features. The kids’ 1K scoots through quiet campground trails and along North Beach, finishing beneath the same roaring arch as the longer distances.
Key Highlights
Two Hoypus lollipops through moss-draped cedars
Three trips past cheering crews at Cornet Bay
Sunset-hued finish line vibes if you chase the cutoff
Cross Deception Pass Bridge twice (180 ft above water)
Views of rugged coastline, bluffs, and islands
Trails ranging from sea level to scenic overlooks
Historic park with technical, twisty, narrow trails
Logistics
Driving Directions
Parking
Runners, crew, and visitors park at West Beach lot near the start. Overflow parking opens once the lot fills. No overnight parking at the start/finish. Follow volunteer direction and keep fire lanes clear.
Every vehicle in Deception Pass State Park must display a Discover Pass. Day and annual passes are sold online, at park kiosks, and at retailers such as REI. Rangers ticket vehicles without a pass.
Passes Required
Lodging
Fidalgo Country Inn, 15 miles from the start.
Hotels and B&Bs in Anacortes and Oak Harbor, each about 20 minutes away.
Quarry Campground inside Deception Pass State Park (reservations required; winter only site).
Aid Stations
Mileage | Aid Station | Cut-off | Drop Bags |
50 K | |||
7.4 | Bowman Bay | 10:00 AM | ✅ |
14.6 | Cornet 1 | — | ✅ |
21.4 | Cornet 2 | 1:00 PM | ✅ |
28.2 | Cornet 3 | 2:30 PM | ✅ |
25 K | |||
7.4 | Bowman Bay | 12:15 PM | ✅ |
What's Included
Water, Nuun electrolytes, PB&J, fruit, chips, pickles, cookies/candy, vegan options; first-aid & period products available. GF/vegan pizza at finish.
Race Requirements
Participants should be comfortable with technical singletrack, variable December weather, and self-management between 7-mile aid-station gaps.
Trail Work
Qualifying Races
Experience on technical Pacific Northwest trails is strongly recommended for the 50K distance.
Mandatory Gear
There is no official mandatory kit, but racers are strongly encouraged to bring a waterproof layer, emergency blanket, and headlamp if finishing near cutoff.
Policies
All runners must carry a visible bib and obey aid-station cutoffs. Early start option ONLY for those expecting 7+ hours. This is a safety rule. No outside aid except at aid stations (crew allowed only at designated spots).
Cutoff Enforcement
Miss a cutoff = ride back to finish
Refusing cutoffs = potential future ban
Event Details
Drop Bags
Label one bag per aid-station location with name, bib, and station. Leave bags on the corresponding tarps at check-in; volunteers shuttle them out and back. Unclaimed bags remain at the finish until 5:00PM Sunday before being donated. Finish-line bag drop available both days.
Bib Pick-up
Race-morning only at West Point Amphitheater; Saturday from 6:30AM and Sunday from 8:00AM. Bring photo ID; proxies are not permitted.
Schedule
Saturday
6:30AM → Runner check-in opens
7:00AM → 50K early start (7-plus-hour runners)
8:00AM → 50K regular start
10:00AM → Bowman Bay cutoff
1:00PM → Cornet Bay cutoff (mile 21.4)
2:30PM → Cornet Bay final cutoff (mile 28.2)
3:00PM–5:00PM → Finish-line pizza, beer, music
Sunday
8:00AM → Check-in opens
8:30AM → Kids 1K start
9:00AM → 25K start
12:15PM → Bowman Bay cutoff
12:00PM–4:00PM → Post-race party & awards
Cancelations & Deferrals
No refunds or bib transfers.
If canceling:
31+ days before = 50% race fee credit + 100% of extras
7–30 days = 50% race fee credit + 50% of extras
<7 days = no credit
Cancellation by Rainshadow due to weather, fire, or other = 50% credit.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on course, at the Start & Finish and at aid stations so long as owners clean up and keep pets clear of tables and runners.
Kids
Kids can toe the line in the free 1K Fun Run or cheer from the sidelines.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Spectators and crew may access Bowman Bay and Cornet Bay aid stations and the finish area. Please park only in designated lots, display your Discover Pass, and stay clear of aid-station tables while cheering. Outside aid is limited strictly to official stations.
Volunteers
Rainshadow Running thrives on volunteer magic. Shifts range from early-morning check-in to full-day aid-station gigs. Perks include free food, finish-line drinks, and credit toward a future Rainshadow race. Sign up by emailing info@rainshadowrunning.com.
Charity & Beneficiary
A portion of each entry supports Washington State Parks and local trail-maintenance nonprofits through Rainshadow’s For The Trails grant program.
Land Acknowledgement
The race takes place on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Samish and Swinomish tribes, who have stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial.
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.
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