$30 gets you into the hills, a burger, and a beverage!
Last year we introduced the Summer Sunset Series as a low key way to get a feel for the Aspire experience. We are stoked to announce 2019 dates and open registration for more evening adventures!
Description
The trails connecting the peaks, ridgelines, glaciers, and summits of the Nooksack Valley are some of the most stunning and accessible terrain in the North Cascades. Interspersed with our larger summer adventures we’ll be leading a few outings to a selection of some of our favorite trails. These runs are low key affairs and all paces are welcome. We BBQ after each run and always get home after dark.
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”24″ display=”basic_thumbnail”]Itinerary
Each Sunset run follows the same basic itinerary. Times for arriving at trailheads and getting back to Bellingham vary by destination.
4:00pm: Meet in Bellingham
Each trip begins in the Bellingham Safeway Parking Lot (Address: 1297 East Sunset Dr.) We’ll do introductions, arrange carpooling, and head for the hills.
5-6:00pm: Trailhead Arrival, Run
Aspire crew travels with each group. Someone is always at the front leading the way and someone is always at the rear “sweeping” behind the group. Distances and elevation gain/loss vary by destination.
9-10:00pm: BBQ at the Trailhead
Aspire will provide meat/veggie burgers and cold drinks. All participants are encouraged to bring a side/salad/dessert to share!
11:00pm-12:00am: Return to Bellingham
Destinations
Church Mountain, 8.5 mile out-n-back
Heliotrope Ridge, 5.5 miles out-n-back
Excelsior Ridge, 10 mile point-to-point
Hannegan Peak, 10 mile out-n-back
Chain Lakes, 8 mile loop
Gear
Summers in the North Cascades ideally are shorts and t-shirts affairs. However, inclement weather or a twisted ankle can quickly sour an evening jaunt. Each runner should carry: a light wind/rain shell, snacks, water, a headlamp, an emergency bivy blanket, warm hat/gloves, and personal first aid supplies. Each runner should have a warm jacket, hat, and dry clothes in a finish “drop” bag.
On the trail Aspire crew will have emergency communication devices, first aid kits, and water filters on hand for emergencies. At the trail head we’ll have a large water jug and all the BBQ supplies.