Cascade Crest 100 Race Guide
When It Is Run
The Cascade Crest 100 takes place annually in mid-July, specifically Friday, July 18, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM from the Easton Fire Station in Easton, Washington. The race provides different start times for various groups, including an early start option at 7:00 AM for runners expected to take more than 27 hours, and a 5:00 AM start for runners over 60 years old. This mid-July timing places the event during peak summer conditions in the Cascade Mountains, when weather is generally most favorable but can still present challenges with heat at lower elevations and potential thunderstorms. The summer date ensures that higher elevation sections of the course are typically free of snow, though runners may still encounter patches in shaded areas above 5,000 feet. Participants have a generous 34-hour time limit to complete the distance, with the final cutoff at 7:00 PM on Saturday evening. The July timing also coincides with peak wildflower season in the alpine meadows and provides spectacular views throughout the Wenatchee and Snoqualmie-Mt Baker National Forests.
How to Qualify or Register
Registration for the Cascade Crest 100 operates through a lottery system that opens December 14th and closes January 11th, with lottery results announced on January 21st. The race is capped at 180 runners and typically has a waitlist extending 400 people deep. To be eligible for the lottery, runners must meet specific qualification requirements that demonstrate adequate preparation for the challenging course. Participants must complete either an organized or self-supported trail 50-mile race with at least 6,500 feet of climbing in under 16 hours between January 1st and June 15th of the race year, or have completed any organized trail 100-mile race at some point in their lifetime. All qualifiers require verification through Strava tracks or official race results. Additionally, all participants must complete 8 hours of trail work with an organized trail maintenance group such as the Pacific Crest Trail Association or Washington Trails Association between August 1st of the previous year and June 15th of the race year. Runners can buy out the trail work requirement for $150, with proceeds supporting local trail organizations. The entry fee is $325 plus taxes and processing fees.
Particular Challenges
The Cascade Crest 100 is widely regarded as one of the most challenging 100-mile races in the United States, earning its designation as both a Western States 100 and Hardrock 100 qualifier. The primary difficulty stems from the massive 23,000+ feet of elevation gain spread throughout the 100-mile course, creating relentless climbing and descending. The notorious “Cardiac Needles” section between miles 80-90 features a series of steep climbs described as going “straight up the mountain” without switchbacks, earning the nickname for their heart-pounding difficulty. The “Trail from Hell” is another infamous 5-mile section that tests runners with extremely technical terrain and punishing grades. The course includes a 2.5-mile passage through the dark Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel, which requires headlamps and can be psychologically challenging due to the enclosed space and poor air quality. Weather presents additional challenges, as summer temperatures can reach the 80s during the day while dropping significantly at night, requiring careful gear planning. The remote wilderness setting means that if runners encounter problems between miles 70-96, self-extraction becomes necessary as there are limited crew access points. Navigation can be challenging in several sections, particularly where cattle have created multiple trail braids and in areas affected by recent wildfires.
Course Format
The Cascade Crest 100 follows a clockwise loop format that begins and ends at the Easton Fire Station in Easton, Washington. This 100-mile loop takes runners through diverse terrain in the Wenatchee and Snoqualmie-Mt Baker National Forests, ensuring that participants experience constantly changing scenery throughout the race. The loop design means that every mile of the course is unique, unlike out-and-back formats where runners cover the same ground twice. Approximately 30 miles of the course follows the Pacific Crest Trail, providing runners with some of the most scenic and well-maintained trail sections. The clockwise direction was specifically chosen to optimize the experience, taking runners through easier terrain early in the race before encountering the most challenging sections during the final 30 miles when fatigue is highest. The loop format creates logistical challenges for crews, as support teams must drive considerable distances on mountain roads to reach different aid stations. However, the format allows for strategic crew positioning at key points where runners will need the most support. The complete loop showcases the full diversity of Cascade Mountain ecosystems, from low-elevation forests through alpine meadows to high mountain ridges.
Elevation Profile
The Cascade Crest 100 features one of the most demanding elevation profiles of any 100-mile race, with 23,000+ feet of total elevation gain distributed throughout the course. The race ranges from a low point of 2,140 feet at the start/finish in Easton to a high point of 5,840 feet on Thorpe Mountain. The elevation gain is relentless and evenly distributed, featuring countless climbs including three major ascents of 1,500-2,000 feet and four climbs of 500-1,000 feet. The longest continuous climb spans 9 miles from mile 75.3 to 84.3, gaining 3,031 feet, while the steepest climb covers 4.5 miles from mile 2.1 to 5.8, gaining 2,582 feet. The infamous Cardiac Needles section between miles 80-90 features multiple steep pitches that climb directly up mountainsides without switchbacks. The course includes significant descents as well, with some sections requiring rope assistance for safety on particularly steep or technical terrain. Unlike many mountain 100-mile races that feature a few major climbs separated by flatter sections, Cascade Crest maintains a constantly rolling profile that provides little opportunity for recovery running. The cumulative effect of the elevation gain becomes particularly challenging after mile 70, when runners face the steepest climbs while already fatigued from 70 miles of mountain running.
Terrain Breakdown
The Cascade Crest 100 course consists of 70% singletrack trail, 26% forest service roads, and 4% paved road, creating a predominantly technical trail running experience. The singletrack portions feature varied surfaces including rocky technical sections, root-covered forest trails, and smooth Pacific Crest Trail segments. Much of the course traverses old-growth forests with challenging root systems and rocky sections that require careful foot placement, particularly during night running. The 30 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail provide some of the smoothest and most runnable terrain, featuring well-maintained tread through spectacular mountain scenery. Forest service road sections offer opportunities for faster running but often involve significant climbs or descents on loose gravel surfaces. The course includes several stream crossings and passages through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers during the July racing season. Technical challenges include the rope-assisted descent sections where steep terrain requires additional safety measures. The 2.5-mile Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel provides unique running on a flat, paved surface but in complete darkness with potentially poor air quality. Rocky sections become particularly challenging during night running, when headlamp illumination makes depth perception difficult. The diverse terrain requires runners to continuously adapt their technique and pacing throughout the race.
Time Limit and Cutoffs
The Cascade Crest 100 provides a 34-hour time limit for all participants, with the race finishing at 7:00 PM on Saturday evening. The race implements specific intermediate cutoff times at key aid stations to ensure runners maintain adequate pace to finish within the overall time limit. Critical cutoffs include 1:00 PM at Cole-Blowout Saddle (mile 12.5), ensuring runners complete the early climbing at adequate pace. Tacoma Pass (mile 25.4) has a 5:00 PM cutoff, while the major crew-accessible Stampede Pass (mile 36.2) requires departure with lights at 8:30 PM. The most challenging cutoff occurs at Hyak (mile 54.3) at 3:00 AM, requiring runners to maintain strong pacing through the first half of the race. Lake Kachess (mile 69.2) has an 8:00 AM cutoff, positioning runners for the final challenging 30 miles. The final major checkpoint at No Name Ridge (mile 81.6) has a 12:30 PM cutoff, after which runners face the infamous Cardiac Needles climbs. Cutoff enforcement becomes particularly strict during the final third of the race, where the most technical terrain and steepest climbs can slow runners significantly. Race officials carefully monitor runner conditions at aid stations and may stop participants who appear unable to continue safely, regardless of cutoff times.
Aid Stations
Cascade Crest 100 features sixteen aid stations spaced approximately every 5 to 9 miles, providing runners with regular opportunities for hydration, nutrition, and moral support. The course begins with Goat Peak at mile 4.5, which is water-only, and continues through Cole-Blowout Saddle (mile 12.5), Little Bear (mile 19.7), Tacoma Pass (mile 25.4), and Snowshoe Butte (mile 31.9) before the first crew access at Stampede Pass (mile 36.2) where runners must depart with headlamps. From there, aid arrives at Meadow Mountain (mile 43.2), Olallie Meadows (mile 49.1), Hyak (mile 54.3), and Kechelus Ridge (mile 62.4) before the next crew-accessible Lake Kachess (mile 69.2). The final stations include Mineral Creek (mile 75.7), No Name Road (mile 78.6), No Name Ridge (mile 81.6), Thorpe Mountain (mile 86.4), French Cabin (mile 89.2), and Silver Creek (mile 96), leading to the finish in Easton at mile 100 where runners reclaim their vehicles. Drop bags are allowed at the four crew-accessible stations—Tacoma Pass, Stampede Pass, Hyak, and Lake Kachess—with size restrictions noted on the website, and crews must observe designated parking instructions, such as parking past Lake Kachess aid station to minimize congestion.
Mandatory Gear
Cascade Crest emphasizes self-sufficiency but requires core safety items for all participants. Every runner must carry a headlamp with spare batteries for nighttime sections, especially through Snowshoe Butte and Stampede Pass where darkness can fall early. Participants are also required to carry sufficient hydration capacity, such as bottles or a bladder system, since the race is cup-free and aid stations only provide water and electrolyte drink for self-service. All runners must bring suitable clothing layers, including a waterproof jacket and warm layers, due to rapidly changing mountain weather at elevations above 5,000 feet, and should carry their own first-aid supplies, including personal medications, as aid stations do not stock pain relievers or specific foot-care products. While GPS devices are optional, a cell phone with emergency contact information is strongly recommended in case of unexpected trail emergencies, and participants should familiarize themselves with the course map and profile in advance.
Crew & Pacing
Support crews are welcome at the four designated crew-accessible aid stations—Stampede Pass, Hyak, Lake Kachess, and Mineral Creek—but only one crew vehicle pass is issued per runner to manage parking limitations. Crews must display their pass prominently and follow instructions to park outside of no-vehicle zones, particularly on the approach to Lake Kachess and Mineral Creek, where road conditions are poor. Pacers are allowed starting at Stampede Pass (mile 36.2) once runners have departed with headlamps, and only one pacer per runner is permitted until the final 10 miles, after which additional pacers may join to guide runners over the Horsetail and French Cabin sections. All pacers must sign waivers at the aid station, carry the mandatory headlamp, and adhere to the same rules as runners, including no “muling” of supplies, and must check in and out with race officials at each station they support.
Navigation
The course is exceptionally well-marked with reflective flags, painted blazes, and signage at every major turn and aid station approach, making navigation straightforward even during nighttime running. Runners follow orange flags with the race logo and reflective tape on trees and poles, with extra markers at complex junctions such as the Hyak to Kechelus Ridge forest service road transitions. Mile-age reflector signs assist with pacing and tracking progress, and critical landmarks like the Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel and Stampede Pass are prominent visual cues. While GPS devices or mapping apps are not required by race rules, many runners carry a GPS unit or smartphone with downloaded course data for added peace of mind, particularly in case of downed markers after storms or wildlife interference.
Finish Rates
Cascade Crest boasts one of the highest completion percentages among Western States and Hardrock qualifiers, with historical finish rates averaging 70–80% under normal weather conditions. Challenging years marked by extreme heat or late-season snow have seen rates dip to around 60%, while cool, clear summers produce near-record finishes exceeding 85% of starters. The generous 34-hour cutoff allows well-prepared runners ample time to cover the relentlessly rolling terrain, and the supportive volunteer network at aid stations contributes to high morale and fewer drop-outs.
Special Features
Cascade Crest is renowned for its Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel, a 2.5-mile rail tunnel that runners traverse in complete darkness, making it one of the longest tunnel runs in ultrarunning events. The race awards distinctive belt buckles to all finishers and special sub-27-hour buckles for those who beat that time standard, reflecting the loop’s formidable profile. Cascade Crest also offers a “Trail Work Buyout” option, where runners can donate to local trail organizations in lieu of completing the required eight hours of trail maintenance. The event serves as a Western States 100 and Hardrock 100 qualifier, attracts elite international fields, and celebrates environmental stewardship by operating as a cupless race and partnering with regional trail associations.
Previous Winners
The men’s course record of 17:43:28 was set by François D’Haene in 2015, showcasing speed on the technical singletrack and forest roads. Recent male champions include Gavin Wolfe, who won in 2023 with 18:17:22, and Nico Gonin, who claimed the 2022 title in 18:37:05. Female champions feature Ellie Greenwood, who holds the women’s record of 20:10:04 from 2014, and Courtney Dauwalter, who won in 2021 (21:34:37) and set the fastest female time in nearly a decade. The deep elite field frequently includes past Western States and UTMB champions, making the podium competition among the most competitive in U.S. 100-mile racing.
Official Contact Information
Cascade Crest 100 is produced by the Alpine Adversity Collective, with race director Mark Gorman serving as the primary contact for registration, course details, and volunteer coordination. Inquiries can be sent via the official website contact form at www.cascadecrest100.com/contact or by email to info@cascadecrest100.com. The event’s social media channels (@cascadecrest100 on Instagram and Facebook) provide up-to-date announcements about lottery dates, volunteer sign-ups, and pre-race logistics, and registered participants receive detailed e-mail briefings including course maps, cutoff charts, and mandatory gear reminders one month before race day. Registered runners can also access the “First-Timers” page on the race website for personalized guidance and veteran runner tips.