Get ready for majestic backcountry rising from the ashes of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. With its sapphire lakes, rugged, toothy peaks, and wildflower-blanketed slopes, the Mt. Margaret Backcountry on the north side of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument 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. 

Backcountry Rise includes three different challenging and remote loop courses: a 50K, 20-miler, and half marathon. Each race offers big climbs, sweeping descents, and stunning ridgeline views of the surrounding Cascade Volcanoes, high mountain lakes, rushing creeks, and abundant wildlife, especially resident mountain goats, elk, and many more. 

Each race distance starts and finishes at the spectacular Mt. St. Helens Science & Learning Center, itself originally designed as an observatory. Perched on the slopes above Coldwater Lake and oriented toward the Mount St. Helens blast zone, the venue offers a family-friendly base camp location.