Overview
The Hyak Halloween 25K is not your typical race; it’s a fun trail experience with a festive Halloween twist. The course starts by taking runners through the historic 110-year-old Snoqualmie Tunnel just days before it closes for winter. From there, climb to Annette Lake and soak in the vibrant fall colors before returning through the eerie tunnel to finish at Hyak Trailhead.
This race is designed for everyone: trail newbies, experienced runners chasing speed, and those looking for a fun, inclusive event. Costumes are highly encouraged (respectful and non-gory), and you’ll have up to 7.5 hours to complete the course, enough time to hike, socialize, and fully enjoy the scenery.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Registration
Opens
Aug 8, 2025, 12:00 PM
Closes
Dec 7, 2025, 11:59 PM
Registration Fee
$145
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
25
K
Course type:
Out and back
Elevation gain:
▲
1,800
Elevation loss:
▼
1,800
Max altitude:
2,560ft
Start time:
Oct 25, 2025
9:00 AM
Cutoff time:
7:30HR
Course Description
The route links two classic Northwest trails for a dramatic out-and-back adventure. You launch along the smooth gravel of the Palouse to Cascades State Trail, immediately entering the Snoqualmie Tunnel where 2.25 miles of inky black darkness amplify every footstep and drip of water. Daylight returns to reveal fall-tinted ridgelines before you peel onto the single-track Annette Lake Trail. This root-and-rock-studded climb winds through old-growth fir, bursts into alpine meadows, and lands at mirror-bright Annette Lake. After refueling, descend to the Trailhead Aid Station, rejoin the P2C, and retrace the tunnel for a goose-bump finish at Hyak Trailhead.
Key Highlights
Stunning views of Annette Lake and Granite Mountain
110-year-old Snoqualmie Tunnel experience
Mix of fast gravel and technical single-track
Logistics
Driving Directions
Parking
Follow event signs from I-90 Exit 54 to Hyak Trailhead. Volunteers direct runners to designated gravel lots. Overflow vehicles must park along Hyak Drive shoulder after purchasing a Discover Pass. Car-pooling is strongly encouraged.
Washington Discover Pass required for start-finish parking. NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required at Annette Lake Trailhead for crew access.
Lodging
Summit at Snoqualmie lodges and condo rentals are two miles from the start. Snowqualmie Pass village offers hotel rooms and vacation cabins within five miles. Camping with restrooms and picnic tables is available at Iron Horse State Park, a ten-minute walk from the start.
Aid Stations
Distance (mi) | Aid Station |
|---|---|
7 | Lake Aid Station |
10.5 | Trailhead Aid Station |
Race Closeout |
Note: Volunteers record bibs at every stop to keep you accounted for. Keep it visible.
What's Included
Standard spread of water, Gnarly electrolytes, soda, fruit, PB&J, Oreos, candy, chips. Vegan-friendly. 🌱 This is a cupless race so bring your own flask/cup. First-aid & period products available.
Race Requirements
The event is open to runners and hikers of all paces. A headlamp or flashlight is mandatory for the tunnel section. Participants must carry at least one 20-ounce water container; refill stations are spaced up to 3.5 miles apart.
Trail Work
Mandatory Gear
Recommended gear: headlamp or flashlight for Snoqualmie Tunnel, jacket or warm layer for high-country weather shifts, reusable cup or bottle for aid-station beverages.
Policies
Costumes encouraged, but must be culturally respectful and non-gory.
Event Details
Drop Bags
Drop bags allowed at Trailhead Aid Station only. Runners may leave one clearly labeled drop bag (name and bib number) at check-in for delivery to Trailhead Aid Station, mile 10.5. Bags return to the finish by 3:30PM. Unclaimed bags remain at the Rainshadow gear tent until 5:00PM, after which they are donated.
Bib Pick-up
Race-morning bib pick-up runs from 8:00AM to 9:00AM at the start-finish arch beside the Hyak Trailhead restroom shelter. Please arrive early to allow time for parking and gear checks.
Schedule
7:00AM → Parking and check-in area open
8:00-9:00AM → Bib pick-up at Hyak Trailhead
8:45AM → Pre-race briefing
9:00AM → 25K start
1:00PM → Lake Aid Station cutoff 👻
2:30PM → Trailhead Aid Station cutoff 👻
4:30PM → Finish line closes, course sweep complete
*Anyone who makes it out of Trailhead Aid Station before the cutoff and completes the course will be counted as an official finisher, even if they arrive after 4:30 PM.
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
Due to the narrow Annette Lake Trail, long tunnel, and federal trail-use permits, dogs are not permitted on course or at aid stations. Leashed pets are welcome in the Hyak parking area only.
Kids
Children and teens are welcome to join the event atmosphere at the Hyak trailhead. Overnight camping for families is available at the nearby Iron Horse campground for a $250 fee per campsite. There is no formal youth race, but minors may hike the first tunnel segment under guardian supervision.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Support crews may meet runners only at Trailhead Aid Station, a 12-minute drive on a rough Forest Service road requiring a NW Forest Pass. Please car-pool and respect volunteer parking marshals. Spectators are welcome at the start-finish; bring a headlamp if you plan to explore the tunnel. NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass parking required at Annette Lake Trailhead for crew access.
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 proceeds supports Washington Trails Association trail-maintenance projects in the Snoqualmie Pass corridor.
Land Acknowledgement
The Hyak Halloween 25K takes place on the ancestral lands of the Snoqualmie Tribe. Rainshadow Running honors the Snoqualmie people and their request to recreate responsibly. Stay on trails, pack out all waste, and support stewardship efforts to preserve these lands for future generations. Race entry fees are waived for tribal members; email info@rainshadowrunning.com for details.
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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