2024 Cascade AR - Trek Only

If the heat of the summer was too much for you, then you'll love the cold and muddy Cascade 6hr AR Trek-Only Race. This exciting race will get you out in the woods exploring the awesome forests around Maple Valley & Black Diamond. Checkpoints are plotted on a detailed topographic map for you to locate using only map and compass!

This is the Rogaine-style Trek-only version of the race. The foot-only course is laid out around the BDOS network of trails with some connecting urban areas, but has lots of bushwhacking potential to find quicker, more direct navigation routes. Trails are multi-use and will be shared with bikers, but won't utilize any of the faster, downhill bike trails.

The Race

This will be a 6hr foot-only event in a large area with lots of Checkpoints. It will be similar to a Rogaine, with all of the CPs optional. Spend as little or as much time as you want out on the course, based upon how many miles you want to navigate.

The terrain is typical Northwest forest, with a variety of open underbrush, such as salal and ferns for easy bushwhacking. But also blackberry canes and dense bushes that will put up a strong fight. The topography is fairly flat with occasional knolls and hills, a large stream running through the area, along with marshes and open meadows.

For equipment, you just need some good shoes, food & hydration while on the course, and possibly shin protection for bushwhacking.

You can spend the full 6 hours on the course, or choose to do a shorter course and come back earlier. There is a strict 6 hour course closure. 

Find more information on our Long Adventure Race Courses page. General Rules, and Race scoring, can be found on our Rules page.  You only need to pay attention to the general and trek info.

Maps and Controls

Maps are less detailed than orienteering maps, but still show a fair amount of detail. Checkpoints (CPs) are plotted on the map as a red circle with a CP number next to it. The goal is to find as many CPs as you can in the alloted time.

You will start from the marked location of a red triangle with Start/Finish on your map. You'll head out to the course to find as many CPs as you can, getting them in any order.  

The CPs are paired orange-yellow survey ribbons with a word on them, usually tied to a tree, stump or other feature.  Using the map and passport, navigate to the CP, find the ribbons, and circle the correct answer on your passport that matches the word on the ribbon.  Occasionally the CPs are man-made objects with a unique feature. You can look at previous maps and passport from prior races, on the Results and Maps page, to get an idea of what to expect.

Pricing (per person)

Race HQ Location

The race Start and Finish location will be at the main parking lot at Black Diamond Open Space in Black Diamond. Due to permitting issues, we were not able to use Lake Wilderness for the HQ.

Day of Race Schedule

Required Gear - More details on Required and Recommended Gear.

Volunteering

We are always looking for volunteers who are willing to help us put on the event, especially for these long races. Volunteers earn a free entry to future races.  To volunteer, just send us an email with your contact info and we will get back to you.