Nooksack Ridgelines

Description

The North Fork of the Nooksack River runs wild with glacial snowmelt from the snowfields of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. Over millennia, immense volcanic and glacial forces have sculpted the surrounding landscape into some of the most pristine high country scenery on the planet. Over three days we’ll run a trio of ridgelines that will leave runners breathless, both from the terrain and the beauty of the North Cascades. With daily runs between 8-30 miles, there are trails to match your motivation and ability.

Course Overview

Thursday Day 1: Meet at the Excelsior Camp along the Nooksack River
Runners are welcome to arrive anytime after 4pm. We’ll have coolers of drinks and plates of fresh appetizers served on the shores of the Nooksack River to set the tone for the weekend. Dinner will be at 6pm followed by a trip overview and stoke building for the running that lies ahead.

Friday Day 2: Excelsior Ridge
An early breakfast, followed by staggered shuttle departures, ensures that everyone can find a run that fits their fitness. Every option guarantees ample mountain views and miles of single track trail. All the trails/routes converge for a finish at the Excelsior Ridge trail head. A waiting Aspire shuttle brings folks back to basecamp for drinks, appetizers, and dinner/dessert fare.

Damfino Lakes to Excelsior Pass 8 Miles 1,762' 4,180'
High Divide Trail via Welcome Pass 12 Miles 4,058' 4,694'
Yellow Aster Butte, Tommyhoi Peak, and High Divide 20 Miles 6,418' 8,312'

Saturday Day 3: Ptarmigan Ridge
Eat, run, repeat. Between breakfast and dinner we’ll shuttle runners to the entrance of the Mt. Baker wilderness, where another day of incredible terrain awaits.
Chain Lakes Loop 7 Miles 2,006 1,983'
Chain Lakes and Ptarmigan Ridge 13 Miles 3,399' 3,399'
Chain Lakes, Ptarmigan Ridge, and Lake Anne 22 Miles 5,355' 5,355'

Day 4: Copper Ridge
Big meals and shuttles bookend this final day of running. True to Aspire form, we’ve saved some of the best trails for last. The views from Hannegan Pass and Copper Ridge are some of the most striking of an exceptionally striking mountain range.

Hannegan peak 11 Miles 3,648' 3,691'
Copper Ridge Lookout 20 Miles 6,056' 6,056'
Full Copper Ridge Loop 34 Miles 8,892' 8,888'
Big meals and shuttles bookend our trip our to the Hannegan Pass Trailhead. A final dinner and celebration wraps this 3-day escape to the hills. Runners are welcome to depart that evening or spend another night with the Aspire crew and travel home on

Accommodations

Our basecamp will be at a drive in campground along the shores of the Nooksack River. Aspire will provide lively camp amenities for a remote but comfortable “glamp” style experience. Runners will need to bring or rent a personal tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc.

About Aspire

Aspire organizes single and multi-day running adventures in backcountry and wilderness terrain. We pair logistical and emergency support with delicious meals for a unique and memorable running experience. More info about our project is available at: www.AspireAdventureRunning.com