A real mountain race to the summit of magnificent Mt. Ellinor in the Olympic Mountains. This is Beast of Big Creek.
We're incredibly proud to continue the longstanding tradition of this race and want to thank former race director John Johnson of envisioning and caring for it all these years.
For 2022 we will keep it as close to what you come to expect as possible. Same routes, same two distances, same elevation gain. The upper section of Ellinor is tricky and should be taken serious, especially as you come bombing back down from the summit with already weak quads. We will give you a bit more time to complete the race.
THE RACES
Both races begins and end at Big Creek Campground.
We will have a more updated course description once the snow melts!
The summit race is about 14miles and leads on the Mt Ellinor trail from Big Creek campground to the actual summit of Mt Ellinor with a total elevation gain of ~5,000ft. There you turn around and head back to where you came from. The upper section of this trail is gnarly!
The 7M course loops along the Big Creek trail with a much more manageable elevation gain of about 1,200ft.
THE COURSE
Both races begins and end at Big Creek Campground.
More updated course description once the snow melts!
The summit race is about 14miles and leads on the Mt Ellinor trail from Big Creek campground to the actual summit of Mt Ellinor with a total elevation gain of ~5,000ft. There you turn around and head back to where you came from. The upper section of this trail is gnarly!
The 7M course loops along the Big Creek trail with a much more manageable elevation gain of about 1,200ft.
Thanks to the efforts of the Mt. Rose Trail Crew, the track is in wonderful condition. Potential hazards include yellow jackets and horseflies the size of helicopters. Despite the danger, we ask that everybody remain on the trail (as long as it is safe to do so) to avoid any resource damage. The only exception to racing off the trail is for the summit racers on the summit block only. Once the summit block is reached, feel free to scramble it directly or follow the trail to the top if you wish. Once you leave the summit block for the descent, do your best to not stray too far off the trail on the way down.
There may be some mountain goats roaming about the upper slopes of Mt. Ellinor. The Forest Service is asking us to pass on some tips on spending time amongst them:
Give them plenty of space.
Don't feed them.
Absolutely don't be aggressive toward them. You will lose.
The trails are open to all other forest users on race day. Most everybody will be stoked to see you out there.
TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ELLINOR
This Rock Candy Running event is at Big Creek Campground by Lake Cushman above Hoodsport, WA on the Olympic Peninsula. For more info visit: rockcandyrunning.com.