A century-old rail tunnel, an alpine lake, and the Cascades in October.
15.5 miles through the Central Cascades. October 3, 2026. Snoqualmie Pass, WA.
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A welcoming 25K built around the tunnel, the lake, and the experience of being out there.
With only 1,800 feet of gain and more than half the course on smooth gravel, this is a good route for people easing into trail running and for experienced runners who want a fast, fun day out.
We time participants for tracking and safety, but we do not post public results. The goal is to de-emphasize the competitive element and leave room to enjoy the tunnel, Annette Lake, and the place itself. With 7.5 hours, most people could walk the entire route and still finish on time.
The Tunnel
The Snoqualmie Tunnel is 2.25 miles long and over 110 years old. There is no light inside. You will run through it twice, once at the start, once near the finish. Headlamps are mandatory.
Built in 1914 as a railroad passage through the Cascades, the tunnel sits on the Palouse to Cascades Trail and closes for the winter shortly after race day. This is one of the last chances to pass through it before the season ends.
The Route
The Tunnel & Palouse to Cascades Trail
Start at Hyak Trailhead and immediately enter the Snoqualmie Tunnel. 2.25 miles of complete darkness through a 110-year-old railroad passage. Headlamps on. Emerge into daylight and continue along the wide, smooth gravel of the Palouse to Cascades Trail until you reach the Annette Lake junction.
Annette Lake Trail
Leave the gravel and climb the Annette Lake Trail. Moderate single track through forest, rooty and rocky in places. The Lake Aid Station sits at mile 7 beside the alpine lake. Then descend back to the Annette Lake Trailhead, where the full-service Trailhead Aid Station waits at mile 10.5.
The Return
Climb back up the Annette Lake Trail for one mile, then turn left onto the Palouse to Cascades Trail. The final 4.25 miles retrace the opening in reverse. Smooth gravel, then the tunnel one last time, and finish where you started at Hyak Trailhead.
Course Map
Hyak Trailhead to Annette Lake and back. Two aid stations, two tunnel passages, 15.5 miles. View interactive map on CalTopo
On Course
Lake Aid Station
Mile 7Water, chips, and assorted cookies or candy. Volunteers hike everything 3.5 miles to get it here, so supplies stay minimal. There is no road access to the lake. First aid and feminine hygiene products available.
Trailhead Aid Station
Mile 10.5Water, chips, assorted cookies or candy, pickles, Gnarly electrolyte drink, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, gels, plus first aid and feminine hygiene products. Drop bag access. Crew access point.
Volunteers track all participants at each aid station, so wear your bib visibly on the front of your body. If you are not leaving an aid station by its cutoff time, you will be given transport back to the finish area. Anyone who clears the Trailhead Aid Station cutoff will receive an official finish, even if they cross the line after 4:30 PM.
Race Day
Saturday, October 3, 2026. All times Pacific.
This event takes place on Snoqualmie Tribe ancestral lands.
The Snoqualmie Tribe welcomes people who respectfully enjoy their ancestral lands. They ask that visitors recreate in moderation, stay on designated trails, and support the Tribe's stewardship and education efforts. We are guests here.
Logistics
Getting there
Start and finish at the Hyak Trailhead on the Palouse to Cascades Trail. Take I-90 east to Exit 54 and follow the event parking signs. Follow Hyak Dr E toward HWY 906, turn left toward the WA State DOT facility, go 0.4 miles, turn right, then turn right again into the trailhead parking area.
Parking
Washington State Discover Pass required. Day pass is $10, annual pass is $30. Available online or at the trailhead. Proceeds go directly to the park system.
Required gear
Headlamp (mandatory, the tunnel is 2.25 miles with zero light). Adequate hydration and nutrition for your effort level. Layers for variable mountain weather in October.
Drop bags
One drop bag per person at Trailhead Aid Station (mile 10.5). Bring your own bag, label it with your name and bib number, and use the tarp, duct tape, and sharpies at check-in if needed. Volunteers transport bags out and back, and they return to the finish after the aid station closes around 3:30 PM.
Crew access
Annette Lake Trailhead is the only place crew can see you on course. It is a 12 to 15 minute drive from the start, parking is limited, and the road can be rough.
Crew parking passes
Annette Lake Trailhead is U.S. Forest Service land. Valid passes there include the NW Forest Pass, the America the Beautiful / Interagency Pass, or a US Forest Service day pass. The Washington State Discover Pass is not valid at the crew access trailhead.
Course markings
Yellow and black arrow signs at every junction. Pink and black checkered confidence ribbons every half mile or so. The course follows two trails: the Palouse to Cascades Trail (wide gravel) and the Annette Lake Trail (single track).
Costume policy
Costumes are encouraged, but keep them culturally respectful and non-gory. No costumes that mock groups of people or appropriate cultures. The tunnel is already scary enough.
Hyak Passage 2025 photos on this page by Somer Runner.
Brand sponsors
This race is made possible with support from these partners.
Event partners
Community partners
Pricing
25K entry. Price increases as race day approaches.