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
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Registration
Opens
Aug 8, 2025, 12:00 PM
Closes
Aug 8, 2025, 10:00 PM
Registration Fee
$155, $130, $95, $40
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
15
K
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
5,200 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
5,200 ft
Max altitude:
4,020 ft
Start time:
Oct 18, 2025
7:00 AM
Cutoff time:
18HR
Course Description
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.
Logistics
Driving Directions
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).
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.
Race 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.
Trail Work
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
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.
Kids
Children are welcome to camp on-site for an overnight fee of $250, which supports Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation. Youth fun-run distances are not offered, but teens 16 and older may register for the 5K with a guardian’s consent.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
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.
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
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.
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