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.
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Registration
Opens
TBD
Closes
TBD
Registration Fee
$120-$230
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
50
M
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
6,000 ft, 11,000 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
6,000 ft, 11,000 ft
Max altitude:
7,000 ft
Start time:
Oct 11, 2025
Cutoff time:
8:00PM
Course Description
Mad Meadows is a high-elevation, rugged course that weaves together smooth single track, rocky ridges, alpine meadows, and fiery golden larch groves. Both the 50K and 50M begin down Chiwawa River Road, then split to tackle their own challenges. The 50K makes its way up Minnow Creek, climbing towards Minnow Ridge before rejoining the longer course. The 50M adds a big push to Basalt Pass and Garland Ridge, offering jaw-dropping views of the Dakobed Range and a thrilling descent back to Chikamin Aid Station.
Expect everything from steep switchbacks to flowing meadow trails, with talus slopes and volcanic pumice underfoot. Both distances finish by flying down Alder Ridge, through Mad Meadows, and along the Mad River to Grouse Creek Group Campground. This course is wild, remote, and beautiful; everything a mountain ultra should be.
Logistics
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.
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
Race 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.
Trail Work
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
Cancelations & Deferrals
Registration is non-refundable, but Evergreen Trail Runs allows deferrals or transfers to another Evergreen event if requested prior to race week.
Kids
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.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
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.
Volunteers
Volunteers are always welcome and are essential to the Tiger Peak Challenge. Roles include aid station support, course marshaling, and finish line setup. To sign up, visit evergreentrailruns.com/volunteer.
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.
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