A century-old rail tunnel, an alpine lake, and the Cascades in October.
15.5 miles through the Central Cascades. October 10, 2026. Snoqualmie Pass, WA.
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This is not a race in the traditional sense. No public results. The point is the tunnel, the lake, and the place itself.
We built this course so you'd have time to stop at Annette Lake, to talk to the people around you, to actually look at where you are. With 7.5 hours and a pace requirement of just over two miles per hour, most people could walk the entire route and 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 and minimal food. Volunteers hike everything 3.5 miles to get it here. There is no road access to the lake. First aid supplies available.
Trailhead Aid Station
Mile 10.5Full service. Electrolyte drink, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, gels, chips, cookies, first aid. Drop bag access. Crew access point.
Volunteers track all participants at each aid station. 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 10, 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 from Seattle to Exit 54. Follow Hyak Dr E toward HWY 906, turn left, go 0.4 miles, turn right, then 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). Label with your name and bib number. Bags will be returned to the finish area after the station closes.
Crew access
Friends and family can meet you at the Trailhead Aid Station at Annette Lake Trailhead, a 12 to 15 minute drive from the start with limited parking. A forest service parking pass is required at that location.
Course markings
Yellow and black arrow signs at every junction. Pink and black checkered confidence ribbons every half mile. The course follows two trails: the Palouse to Cascades Trail (wide gravel) and the Annette Lake Trail (single track).
Claim your entry
No waitlist. No bib transfers. When entries are gone, they're gone.
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