Tag: trip report

The Magic of Lodge Season

Post author By Julie Ann Holder
Post date 6:02 pm

Fall comes early in the mountains. The fog hangs heavier over the valleys, the skies begin to welcome the familiar shifting clouds. The days are getting shorter, but there are still berry harvests to be had and some of the trail running’s most wondrous days awaiting. Aspire moves basecamp indoors to mountain lodges, turning up the cozy for a series of charmed autumn trips.

Last fall, I had the privilege of sharing in the magic of Territory Run Camp as a member of the Aspire staff. The luxury of having a lodge, as opposed to our usual outdoor glamping scene, was not to be understated in the midst of the many different types of weather we encountered. It’s quite difficult to imagine it was only a long weekend, the moments of run camp truly felt timeless.

Settling into the lodge on the first night, we feasted on garlic toast and a hearty carrot-lentil soup, spiced to aromatic perfection. As night fell, runners retired to their bunks, only to be greeted with hot coffee and dutch pancakes at first light.

These rendezvous trips offer runners many options for what kind of mileage or length of day they would like to have. As a member of the Aspire crew, we coordinate to ensure that each mile of trail a participant chooses to run is swept so that we can make sure everyone makes it home for dinner.

On this first running day, I was lucky to get to run the traverse from Excelsior Ridge along the High Divide to Yellow Aster Butte. After a few steep miles, the trail breaks through treeline and leads you through miles and miles of blueberry bushes atop scenic rocky ridgelines with sweeping views of the valleys below. Throughout this particular day, the sky was with me. We moved together. Sweeping around turns in the trail and through small stands of cedars. The swirling mist rising from the valleys caught my gaze as a hawk took off from a nearby perch and swooped over a misty horizon. The colors of vibrant green moss, auburn red undergrowth, and pink bells of heather seemed to catch my eye more on this overcast and moody day. How awesome it is to move for hours and miles through these hills, feasting on plump huckleberries, knowing there is a smiling face, a bag of chips, and a cooler of beer awaiting my arrival at the trailhead.

The next day, NOAA forecasted an eighty percent chance of rain, offering us the clear decision to spend the day exploring the trails nearby to the lodge. Of these trails, there are mileage options anywhere from a few miles, to 20+ miles through beautiful mountainous terrain with alpine lakes, broad ridgelines, glacier views, and more. Some folks opted to run out towards Lake Ann and the west face of Mount Shuksan. Others ventured out towards Kulshan along the Ptarmigan Ridge. I decided to run an eight mile loop from the lodge, circumnavigating Table Mountain. The loop is one I have more often completed on skis, while there is a hefty blanket of snow covering the slopes. On this foggy day, with little spouts of rain here and there, I found so much enjoyment discovering the magic that this route holds in the summer months -–shimmering clear alpine lakes, waterfalls and meandering creeks, rock buttresses adorned in moss and lichen, boulder and scree fields with stones of swirly metamorphosed granite.

The afternoon offered many a moment to connect with others at Run Camp as we all gathered to share stories, read books, and play cards or chess, while our gear dried downstairs. After dinner, we listened to a talk given by a veteran through-hiker named Bacchus. He offered his words of wisdom acknowledging the power of giving in to an “unfiltered” experience. He spoke of the magic that happens when you pay attention, and leave the distractions behind. He called into question the meaning behind why we run? –why we do the things we do? In his words, “It’s not about the miles or the gear, but how you have been changed by the experience.” He encouraged everyone to take a moment and consider our relationship to the external world –to see ourselves in context; in this moment, in this place, as this person. His stories and his message felt potent, and the questions he raised stayed with me through the night.

On the third day of running, we had the opportunity to choose between a climb up Goat Mountain, a trail up the riverbed to the Nooksack Cirque, a climbers trail to a lake at the toe of a glacier, or any combination of the three options. As a skier and lover of glaciers, I decided to explore the Nooksack Cirque and glacier fed lake. Emerging from the forest onto the large smooth cobbles of the Nooksack valley, I took note of my slowed pace. As I walked, the river wound, interrupting my route –- ushering me across and through its icy waters. Knee deep in glacial runoff, feet soaked with the ancient melt of glaciers… I felt a reverence come over me. The cirque remained out of sight –around a bend in the river– and so I walked on to get a view. Eager to witness the headwaters where the mighty Nooksack river originates. As the blue ice began to show, and the river curved towards the cirque, I felt a heaviness happen upon my chest. The thought crossed my mind, “Is this ALL there is?” …and soon after, “This is ALL there is!” How magnificent and how frail. How ancient and powerful! How withered and vanishing.

In the moments that followed, I could feel the messages of Bacchus’s talk taking root in my mind. I could feel myself being overwhelmed with gratitude for an opportunity such as this, to feel human, to feel uncertain of the future, to fully feel any and all emotions that colored the next hours of my experience.

On the final day of Territory Run Camp, everyone awoke before first light and made our way up to the summit of Table Mountain to watch as the sun rose over the shoulder of the neighboring Mount Shuksan. Winding our way up the rocky switchbacks, we could see Kulshan in the distance, radiant in the blue hue of dawn. As the light began to change, a few solitary wisps of clouds became illuminated with orange and pink. The energy amongst the group was one of contentment and awe, underlain by a heightened sense of connection to this place; to these mountains. We were so fortunate to get to experience them in so many different temperaments: the moody days that turned to rain; the rain that turned to hazy sunshine; then to a final burst of sunshine on the clearest morning of all. Gratitude to this degree felt humbling.

To be offered such an opportunity as Territory Run Camp and a progression of experience is such a gift. I am so grateful for the running stoke, the exceptional food, and all the uplifting vibes from Aspire and Territory Running Co. And I also deeply appreciate the sense of adventure; of growing as a human; of discovering what it means to be in connection with wild places. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I’m already looking forward to lodge season next year!

Explore Territory Run Camp and the following lodge trips on the calendar this fall:

Stehekin Rendezvous

North Cascades Climate Summit

Territory Run Camp

Out Trails LGBTQ+ Running Retreat – North Cascades

Julie Ann leads Aspire’s mountain based skills courses and fastpacking missions, while also working as a mountain guide in the North Cascades, and teaching wilderness medicine courses.

Tags lodge season, North Cascades, rendezvous, Runner's Reverb, trip report

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Expecting the Unexpected, Pt. 2: Rolling with High Water

Post author By Trent Banks
Post date 4:41 am

Wild conditions on the River of No Return Stage

The 2022 Aspire calendar boasted our very first multi-sport trip, a raft/run excursion down Idaho’s remote and legendary Middle Fork of the Salmon River. As the lead guide for the trip, I had long been looking forward to a week away from cell service in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, collaborating with the river guides to create a unique experience for our runners and their families on the boats. By June, however, it was clear that conditions in the mountains had other ideas.

Flood Stage

A week before we were set to launch, runners received an email from Kelsey Helfrich, owner of Helfrich River Operators, explaining that with the surrounding mountains at 300% of average snowpack, the river was running at 6.5 ft, … dangerously high. Due to the increased safety risks associated with high water (more intense rapids, debris in the river, and with these an increased risk of drowning), they were canceling the trip. Given that the search was still on for the body of a rafter who’d attempted the river a week before, the cancellation was hardly worth questioning.

Immediately my phone began to buzz with an incoming call from Abram (Aspire Course Director).

“What do you think of an air-supported alternative?” he asked.

“Like, we get heli-dropped?!” I responded, immediately intrigued.

The plan he proposed involved using Bi-planes supplied by Sawtooth Flying Service to drop runners off at one of the primitive airstrips which dot the river to access the basecamp and trail system for four days of exploring.

“This sounds like a PROPER adventure! Let’s do it.” I replied.

Abram laid out the options for participants: runners could use trip insurance to reimburse their trip, take a partial credit that could be put towards a future trip, or join us for the air-supported alternate trip that promised to be both unique and wild. We needed only 6 runners to say yes to the plan and by the end of the night, we had 8. We were going to Idaho.

Preparing for Take-off

Stanley, ID is a tiny town set in a sweeping valley under the jagged Sawtooth Mountains. The power of the Salmon River pulses through this town: its bars crowded with river guides and its streets dotted with outfitters. This infectious energy makes it a perfect jumping off point for adventure.

Runner’s met up at the back porch of River One Outfitters, looking over the rushing main fork of the Salmon River for orientation with the river guides. Evening presented the opportunity for a visit to Mountain Village Resort’s private hot spring, and runners returning from the pools wore that spiritually refreshed look that only the inner Mountain West can offer. After a quick stop at the Stanley Bakery, a refreshingly modern cafe featuring quality baked goods, runners showed up on the runway energized, looking toward the distant Sawtooth Range with anticipation. During orientation, Kelsey had informed us that Sawtooth Flying was her first choice for flights through the region because “she prefers pilots who know what they’re doing over pretty planes and clueless pilots.” Indeed, this squad of pilots had seen some time in the air, as had the planes. Anticipation and nerves were palpable as the pilots loaded our baggage and divided the group by weight into the small prop planes. As opposed to larger passenger planes, you can FEEL the force as these planes take off. White knuckles gripped seatbacks as our planes took off and rose over Stanley toward our 26 minute flight to Pistol Creek.

Heading Down River

Petroglyphs along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Our initial run took runners ~15 miles down river from Pistol Creek to our basecamp at the Little Creek Campsite. These were CRUISER miles, almost exclusively downhill along the river, with side canyons to explore and eddies for dipping in when runners needed a break from temps in the upper 70’s and low 80’s. Side canyons offered mines to explore and petroglyphs to investigate. At basecamp we foundTim Gunderson, the lead for Helfrich’s team of river guides who was cracking into appetizers and slicing salami as we rolled in. The rest of the river guide team had braved the more treacherous reaches of the upper middle fork for a High Water Training, bringing the tents and kitchen equipment down with them. They arrived that night and unpacked camp like they could do so with their eyes closed. With their whole team at camp for the evening, I started up conversations with the guides about the surrounding high country.

Planning for the Unknown

The joy and challenge of this unplanned reroute was gathering beta on Idaho’s notoriously remote and rugged backcountry and transmuting that information into an enjoyable experience on trail for the runners on the trip.

As the saying goes, “the map is not the place,” and the river guides held most of the knowledge I would be able to glean before heading out for the week’s excursions. As we sat down to dinner, I presented our routes to runners, providing the details and information I’d been able to gain and deduce from studying maps and probing the guides about their experience on land through the Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness.

Our next three days would be filled with exploratory runs up canyons to ridgelines we had scouted only days before, and only on Gaia GPS’s online mapping software. We laid out the week to gather information as we went. Our first day’s route would tell us a lot about conditions in the canyons, and snow levels up on the ridgelines. Day 2 offered a 14 mile run to the Mahoney Creek Lookout which we could see was snow free from camp and from which we could gather quality beta for the following day’s route up to the ridgelines across the river. Depending on Thursday’s beta, runners were provided with two options for the final day: an exploration up the Marble Creek Drainage and return for an afternoon in the hot springs, or a larger exploratory run up Cougar Creek, covering 27 miles of Idaho wilderness, incurring 6700’ of elevation gain and some sections of “mystery” trail on which we had no beta.

With runner’s prepped, we spent the night enjoying the company of the river guides and the sound of the river before turning into our tents. Adventure awaited.

Route #1

As we took off up Thomas Creek the following morning, we passed a work crew setting off on the trail who warned us of landslides up the trail, before expressing excitement about gathering beta from us after our return. We came to the landslide about a mile on, the side of the hill crumbling downhill into the river, but runners made quick work of the obstacle before continuing on.

Crossing Thomas Creek there was no choice but to plunge into rushing knee deep water Wet feet would prove to be the name of the game as the trail continued alternating between rock, mud, and becoming a creek itself.

“Are we having fun yet?” While it was certainly an adventure, bushwhacking through thick shrub in ankle deep water is not everyone’s idea of a great time. Following the check in and a reminder that hotsprings awaited for anyone who wished, the group split up, with a small group continuing on the route, and the rest returning to camp for lunch and a soak in the springs.

For the three of us that carried on, the trail eventually climbed away from the creek up the dry hillside of a burn zone, where we were able to pick up the pace for a few miles before breaking at the junction of two drainages for a snack. As we sat and enjoyed the sun, something caught Adam’s eye.

“Morels!”

Indeed, hundreds, no, thousands of them!

There’s a defined THRILL to discovering a patch of morels, and the pure volume we were looking at pulled us into an hour of foraging the hillsides. We collected more than four pounds and tied them up in my Houdini before continuing to explore up the trail for a few miles more.

We didn’t make the ridgeline that day to complete the loop, but we learned a few things: the morels in the Thomas Creek drainage are profoundly plentiful, and the Idaho backcountry is rugged, not inclined to give up miles without a fight.

Route #2

Snow angels at the Mahoney Creek Lookout

Day Two’s plan was clear cut: follow the trail above camp up along the ridgeline to the lookout, soak in the views, and then return to the river for hot springs and food. Fortunately, the ridge trail was clear of the shrubs and brush that had made travel on the previous day’s route tedious, and was instead covered by a brilliant showing of wildflowers. We climbed the seven miles to the lookout as the Idaho sun shone across the vibrant mountainsides of the Sawtooth Range.

From the lookout, we were able to confirm that ridges we had been considering for the final day’s route would go… minimal snowfields and promising open mountaintops awaited.

On the descent back to the river I took a detour and swung through camp, swiping cold beverages and snacks and packing them out to a birthday party soak at the Sunflower Flat Hot Spring. The springs, redubbed “Gucci Springs” by the group, feature multiple soaking pools 10’ above the river, and a steamy waterfall that drops directly into the Middle Fork… a place I’ll return to in dreams when the PNW’s drippy, cold winter rains set in.

Route #3

On Day Three the group split, with the party pace squad heading up Marble Creek and enjoying some extra time at “Gucci Springs”, and the motivated runners heading out for 27 miles of unscouted trail up Cougar Creek to the ridgeline, and then out the Little Loon drainage back to camp.

I went out with the motivated squad and rambled down 5.5 miles along the Middle Fork. Each corner unveiling new rock formations and gorgeous hillsides. Reaching Cougar Ranch brought us to our climb up to the ridge – 7 miles and 4,100’ of climbing and we would make the ridgeline that had called to us all week. After the long, sun-exposed climb, we reached the ridge at 7400’ and the mountain breeze cooled us off. We enjoyed several miles of ridgeline runned to Castle Rock, and the beginning of our downhill out the Little Loon drainage back to camp.

The “trail” in the lower canyon following the first creek crossing.

Mountain runners often expect the downhill to be generous with the clock, allowing us to cover ground quickly and find our flow state. Almost immediately after dropping down off the ridge, it became apparent this would not be the situation for us. The trail quickly feathered as we passed through a burn zone, and we began more active navigation as we picked the best lines through Idaho’s sharp, pokey undergrowth. This proved to be slow going, but as we reached the canyon bottom and joined up with the Little Loon trail, we held up hope for clearer travel ahead.

It would not be so.

Little Loon Canyon was gorgeous, a braiding “creek” winding through an idyllic valley, but the trail down the canyon crossed the creek many times. Water levels at this point were still rising, and had turned the creek into a rushing torrent none of us were keen to cross. Avoiding the crossing meant bushwacking and scrambling boulder fields alongside the creek, navigating landslides, and praying the rattlesnakes had taken up residence elsewhere for the day. Treacherous as this was, we continued downstream avoiding the crossings, sometimes traveling only 1 mile per hour.

Then the canyons began to close in, and I could see on our topo map profile that the creek would pass through tight channels with cliffs on either side. A few miles from our junction with the Middle Fork Trail, the terrain asserted its will, forcing us into a crossing of the creek.

I stepped into the flow and felt the icy waters wrap around my scraped-up legs and rise to my waist, choosing a line where the river was wider and without holes and boulders. I signaled to the group to unstrap their chest straps and link up, pointing to our exit on the far side of the crossing, and in we went. The flow was strong enough to make crossing a challenge for the lighter members of our group, but we crossed without incident. Having broken the threshold, the next few crossings proved, while still challenging, less imposing. We utilized what nature provided, propping downed trees across the creek for stability and supporting each other, only to dive back into the brush on the other side. When the trail finally spit us out onto the junction with the Middle Fork Trail, our group laughed, cried, and swapped high fives. We had just passed through some proper type two fun, and the bonds that formed while waist deep in the creek were palpable now that we were out of the thick of it. I sent an Inreach message to the team back at the campsite, “These runners are going to want showers tonight, eta 90 minutes”, and we took off. It had been an epic day.

Unexpected Magic

While recounting our adventures over dinner back at camp, the river guides let us know that a storm was moving in, bumping our pick-up time for the flight out of the canyon up to 11am. We planned for our run downriver to the pickup spot accordingly, setting alarms and packing up before bed. Upon awakening in the morning, however, we learned the storm was pushing in more quickly and after conferring, we decided to forgo the days run in exchange for a pick-up directly from camp, rather than risking the storm making pick-up impossible downriver and trapping us on the river for 2-3 extra days.

What was one more alteration during this freewheeling week of adventure? By the time the pilots made it onto the Thomas Creek airstrip, the storm was right on their heels, making for an exhilarating flight out through rain and sleet in the six-seater planes, but we got there in one piece, stepped foot on terra firma and concluded a trip full of incredible moments.

Departing from the scheduled itinerary opens us up to new experiences by default, and the exploration and celebration on the Middle Fork this year made for an incredible reward for the risk. The squad of runners who joined for the alternate River of No Return trip this year were down to roll with the unexpected, thus experiencing the magic of the Middle Fork in a unique way.

Explore the River of No Return Multi-sport Stage Run.

Trent Banks is a senior guide and marketer for Aspire, as well as a DJ and event producer, and father of two daughters, based out of Bellingham, WA. He joined the Aspire crew in 2018.

Listen to his Spirit Ventures DJ mix series, inspired by and made for trail running.

Tags expecting the unexpectied, risk management, trip report

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Mountain Songs and Alpine Legs

Post author By David Burchfield
Post date 5:31 pm

Music and mountains. Both have an incredible ability to create real connections.
Aspire Rendezvous trips are mountain running parties where runners develop a relationship with an incredible wilderness zone and the other runners they’re with. Incredible days on trail are bookended by a vibrant basecamp scene that may include music, yoga, swimming and more. Musician David Burchfield shares his experience as camp musician for 2022’s Nooksack Ridgelines Rendezvous for the journal.

Listen to David’s album “State to State” while you read!

My first day of the Nooksack Ridgelines Rendezvous I found myself deep in flow, rolling down Ptarmigan Ridge near Mt. Baker. Some smoke from nearby fires had drifted through that morning but was clearing up as the day went on – dramatically unveiling luscious green forests, stark peaks, and alpine lakes in true North Cascades glory.

I’d started out with another runner, Melissa, but she had cruised ahead while I drifted back until I was between groups. I was just far enough from other runners that I felt safe belting, I mean absolutely shouting, along with the song I’d been jamming to in my earbuds. It had been a pretty tough year for me, full of huge personal disappointments that left me feeling gridlocked inside. There was a twisted knot in my chest of regret and a bleak, uncertain feeling about where and when I might ever find deep joy again. In that moment, I was surprised and delighted to find the freedom to unlock my heart, open up my lungs, and move my legs over some really beautiful terrain was just what I was needing. I found myself supported, once again, by two of my oldest friends: the mountains and music.

Kulshan (Mt. Baker) from the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail.

Making the final descent to the waiting Aspire van (complete with cold beers and watermelon) I put on an album I’d been saving all year for just this opportunity, although I didn’t know it until then. Hiss Golden Messenger’s “Quietly Blowing It,” inspired by the artist’s own feelings of internal lockdown and finding release and freedom in the midst of pandemic, was the perfect balance between hopeful beats and sober lyrics. I danced down the forest trail, capering sideways, high stepping short steps, and playing with fun flowy arms – and a huge smile came across my face. I have always felt a strong connection between breath, running cadence, and rhythm in the music that I listen to while out on longer days, but this particular run was special. I let go and let the mountain music flow through my legs.

Back in camp, while Aspire guides doled out super tasty appetizers, runners dipped their legs in the rejuvenating water of the Nooksack River as part of their recovery rituals. Nearing dinner, folks began to gather and prepare for the feast – sharing stories of the day. At some point, Kim said “Were you… singing up there?” A short pause followed as looks of recognition dawned on the faces of Kim’s running companions of that day and my own. We burst out laughing as we realized that my solo karaoke session was anything but private. Luckily, I love singing mountain music for other people and later did exactly that with my guitar around the campfire while runners relaxed and stretched. Playing mountain music for the group was, in fact, what brought me onto the trip in the first place.

David Burchfield play guitar to the runners at the Nooksack Ridgelines Rendezvous.

Because the rendezvous experience is all about gathering at a central location each evening, there’s a uniquely relaxed and communal spirit to the post-run hang in camp. The crew often brings along a musician or two to provide some evening entertainment and that night I was lucky enough to play the bard. After the first night, I took requests from other runners and prepared them for the next evening’s “performance.” Performance? More like, singalong, arms around the shoulders, smores and beers kind of hang out. You may think I’m exaggerating, but I promise I am not – it’s that kind of picturesque good time.

A view of Mineral Mountain from Copper Ridge, North Cascades National Park.

Over the course of our three days out there, the members of my trip went from perfect strangers to new friends – forming small groups to run together and encourage each other through long, beautiful days in the mountains. By day three, we left from the trailhead practically all together in one supergroup. I’d made friends, played some mountain music, found refreshment in my spirit, and learned just how far I can really run. Day three found me without headphones at all – instead I spent most of the day chatting in the little running groups that I found myself in, or pushing my pace to catch the next group of friends ahead of me. You can be sure that between groups I will still belting out a tune or two.

Fields of wildflowers in North Cascades National Park.

All photos by Jessica Vandenbush.

Join us for four days of incredible running and camping on the Nooksack Ridgelines Rendezvous!

David Burchfield is an adventurer, trail runner, and touring musician based for now out of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Tags Nooksack Ridgelines, north cascades national park, rendezvous, trip report

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Seeing Possibilities on the Wonderland Trail

Post author By Trent Banks
Post date 11:26 pm
Sticky post

Last year, Aspire received a call from @teamseepossibilities about doing a custom trip around the Wonderland Trail for blind runner Dan Berlin and his guides. Their team goes on epic endurance challenges never done by a blind athlete, inspiring individuals, with or without disabilities, to go beyond perceived limitations.

Fast forward this month, when Dan and his team of guides faced the challenges of the Wonderland Trail head on. This is their trip report.

In the early morning of August 2, 2021, we strapped on running packs and set out on the Wonderland Trail. With over 23,810 feet of elevation gain and 5 major river crossings, the Wonderland Trail is a series of long, rugged ascents and descents around the circumference of Mt. Rainier just below the glacier line.

The goal: Complete this grueling, 93-mile trek in 3 days.

The inspiration: If successful, Dan would become the first known blind athlete to complete this extreme endurance challenge. We hoped to inspire people with disabilities to set ambitious personal and professional goals. We were also raising money for Team See Possibilities Global Scholarship fund, which supports students with vision impairment with financial scholarships, peer-to-peer support, and monthly mentorship by Dan and other successful blind professionals.

The problem: In addition to the obvious physical challenge of trekking the circumference of Mt. Rainier, the narrow, often rock-strewn trail presents particular problems to a person who is blind. Even with Brad and Charles calling them out, Dan often tripped on protruding roots. His ankles rolled uncomfortably on the uneven terrain with the ever-present threat of a major sprain. The many loose volcanic rocks gave him a strange sensation of vertigo from their constant shifting movement under his feet. Overhanging tree branches and foliage hitting his face disoriented him. And drop-offs along the trail presented an ever-present risk – often, one of Dan’s guides nudged him to safety just before he took one wrong step into a serious fall. Brad and Charles found it exhausting to stay ever alert, and realized the techniques that had worked on previous adventures were falling short. To stay safe, we had to move cautiously. As a result, the first 34-mile section of the trail took over 21 hours to complete. Arriving around 4 a.m. at the Mowich Lake campground, we discussed our options and decided that the combined physical demands and mental strain made the risk of injury too great to continue. A kind volunteer from Aspire Adventure Running drove us out of the wilderness. It’s always disappointing when you fail to accomplish a goal, but sometimes the most disciplined option is to stop. And if you never fail, you are certainly not setting your goals high enough. We were gathering data throughout those 34 miles, and realized it wasn’t prudent to continue. As a result, the Wonderland Trail Challenge became 21 hours traversing 34 rugged miles and climbing 10,000 feet on a stunning mountain.

Taking on endurance challenges like the Wonderland Trail is analogous to the experiences of the Team See Possibilities Scholars we support. A student who is blind going to college for the first time is both excited and intimidated. There are few role models to follow, few peers to connect with. You must learn to ask for help and work as a team. Your resourcefulness and ability to adapt are tested constantly. You are unsure of the outcome, but you proceed anyway. Sometimes things go as hoped. When they don’t, you learn from the experience, then set your next ambitious goal. A great way to go through life is to do physically challenging things in nature with people you like, and link it to a meaningful cause. And that’s exactly what we’re going to continue doing. Team See Possibilities will take on more endurance challenges. We’ll continue to provide scholarships to students with vision impairment. And we challenge everyone we meet with this simple piece of advice: go beyond your perceived limits.

Team See Possibilities inspires and empowers young people with vision loss to thrive and excel. Learn more about their mission and vision at www.teamseepossibilities.com.

If you can dream it, we can crew it. Learn more about Aspire custom trips.

Tags adaptive athlete, affinity trip, Dan Berlin, Team See Possibilities, trail running, trip report

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Sucia Island Wilderness First Aid: Trip Report

Post author By Trent Banks
Post date 5:35 pm

by Maryanna Brown

Our Sucia Island Wilderness First Aid course is a collaboration with instruction from Backcountry Medical Guides and the Aspire basecamp experience, creating an idyllic classroom where trail runners recieve sport-specific instruction on how to prepare for and respond to adverse events in the wilderness. Participant Maryanna Brown shares more in the following trip report.

Gearing up for a summer of mountain adventures, I knew it was time to refresh my rapidly deteriorating first aid skills. I took a Wilderness First Responder course several years ago, but I hadn’t had to use any of the skills (thank goodness) and was feeling decidedly iffy about my abilities to respond to an emergency in the backcountry. If I packed a first aid kit at all, it was either mini pre-packed baggie of mystery items I wasn’t really sure what to do with or a behemoth first aid kit overflowing with dusty gauzes, ointments, a selection of picked over bandaids. A Wilderness First Aid course geared towards trail runners seemed like just the ticket to kick off a summer of backcountry adventures. Not only would I feel more confident about going further into the backcountry solo, but I’d be a better partner for my trail running buds.

I had never heard of Sucia Island before the course and had no idea what to expect when the ferry pulled up to Orcas Island on Friday afternoon. From the ferry terminal, we took a quick shuttle van ride to catch our chartered boat to the mysterious Sucia Island. Speeding through splashing white-capped waves with dolphins breaching in the distance was sheer delight. It truly felt like we were leaving the rest of the world behind, charting a bold new path to trails that weren’t even listed on Trail Run Project.

Sucia Island did not disappoint. It was a little slice of wooded paradise with enviable sunsets and zero cars. It’s only accessible by small boats and it’s criss-crossed with a spider web of dreamy single-track with peek-a-boo glimpses of Kulshan (Mt. Baker) and the Olympic Mountains. We had our own secluded group campsite which had the effect of making us think we were the only ones on the island. Not until we started exploring Sucia on our morning runs, did I realize the island was a buzz of kayakers, sailers, and the happiest dogs I’ve ever seen. I think almost everyone there remarked at least once that they would prefer to say goodbye to life outside the island and settle in for an extended stay of sunsets, otter parties, and lonely trail runs.

We may have been on “island time” but we had a bit of routine to our days. The early birds would start the day with 6:30AM exploratory runs around the island, skipping down the little land fingers that jutted out into the sound and marveling at the blossoming succulents and seals bobbing just offshore. We’d roll back just in time for freshly brewed coffee (!!!) and a delicious homemade breakfast. I’m vegan and Aspire did an amazing job providing plant-based alternatives that were just as tasty as they were nutritious – tofu pad Thai, ridiculously good potato breakfast burritos, and high protein snacks like edamame pods. We’d even have happy hour with cold beers, cider, and hard seltzer and appetizers while waiting for dinner every night. Now I finally understand what glamping is. I like it.

Backcountry Medical Guides ran such an engaging and fun course. After breakfast, we’d have class on the beach (!!!) and while it was somewhat distracting to have a family of otters playing in the background, it was pretty amazing. The course was a perfect mix of hands-on scenarios and mini-lectures.

We started with the ever important patient assessment system – concrete steps to take when faced with any incident in the backcountry. From there, I learned a ton of steps to take when faced with various trauma, medical, and environmental emergencies – with a particular focus on emergencies most commonly faced by trail runners such as rolled ankles, heat exhaustion, and wound care. One of the highlights of the course was performing chest compressions on a mannequin while one of our instructors blasted Whitney Houston’s – I Want to Dance with Somebody, to keep the beat. Hilarious, yet surprisingly helpful. With the soaring temperatures in Seattle this week, I’ve already used what I learned about heat emergencies and their prevention to not only keep myself safe but monitor those around me.

One of the most helpful lessons was on first aid kits and ways to keep the weight pared down by picking items that can have multiple uses. Apparently honey can be used as an antibiotic, source of sugar for a diabetic emergency, and a tasty addition to a peanut-butter sandwich.

I not only traveled back from Sucia with a keen interest in perfecting my first aid kit (add honey) but some new friends! Some of the Seattle runners exchanged numbers at the conclusion of the course (Sunday) and by Tuesday morning, I was out for a dawn patrol lap around Green Lake with another woman from the course with plans to regroup at the Big Foot 20 miler in early July with a few more students. All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better Wilderness First Aid course experience. The Sucia Island WFA was a perfect blend of education, glamping, trail running, and hanging out and swapping stories with other runners.

The Fall Edition of the Sucia Island Wilderness First Aid Course takes place August 27th – 29th. Learn more and register!

Tags backcountry medical guides, island time, sucia island, sucia wfa, trail running, trip report, wilderness first aid, wilderness medicine

Blog courses Destinations Highlights Rendezvous Runner Resources STEHEKIN Stehekin Rendezvous trip report Trip Reports and Trip Styles Trip Styles update

Stehekin: A Trip Report

Post author By Abram Dickerson
Post date 11:38 pm
Sticky post

“Stehekin” is an indigenous word meaning “the way through”, for over 9,000 years the Stehekin River Valley has served as a travel corridor connecting the rain shadowed steps of the eastern Cascades with the lush forested coastal regions of the Salish Sea. Dividing these ecosystems lie the formidable North Cascades. Stehekin is a direct reference to the river whose headwaters are a network of alpine snowfields and waterfalls that drain into a rugged valley formed over centuries of glaciation. Woven into this mountain landscape is a ribbon of trail paralleling the river and terminating at the shores of Lake Chelan where crystal waters meet a shoreline lined with an endless crown of mountain peaks.

Day 1: Cascade Pass

We’ve built our Stehekin itinerary around the biggest views, best trails, and the cleanest line into the valley. After an early rendezvous and shuttle, the trip kicks off at Cascade Pass. It’s a 23 mile day and the 3,000’ of climbing is largely front loaded into the first 3.5 miles. The rewards come quickly as runners leave the forest canopy and step into a rocky alpine valley surrounded by high peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls. From the pass the views are long and they beacon to fresh legs practically pulling runners into a 20 mile descent along the Stehekin River. While there is no “cutoff” runners need to make it to High Bridge camp by 6pm to catch the last park shuttle to the Stehekin Valley Ranch. I’ve missed the ride more than once, which means an extra couple miles along the river to finish out the day.

Basecamp: The Stehekin Valley Ranch

Aspire basecamps are a source of pride and joy all summer long. But as the days shorten, temperatures drop, and the chance of inclement weather increases we turn our sights on more formidable lodges and cabins for our accommodations. Our stay at the Stehekin Valley Ranch is the pinnacle of “rustic opulence”. The ranch is family owned and operated by Cliff Courtney, his sons, and a great team of seasonal staff. Cliff was raised on the ranch and since 1983 has grown his vision of a full-service basecamp on a foundation of good food and hard work. Gardens, hay fields, horse corrals, and a full service lodge and cookhouse service hungry hikers and visitors from across the world. Full course breakfast, lunch, and dinner with homemade pies are staples of everyday life along with the perpetual hearth fire and coffee pot always ready for a “cowboy” pour.

Day 2: Climb Mt. McGreggor or Choose Your Own Adventure

Over the years the Aspire team have scouted a variety of trails and routes, always working towards an itinerary that optimizes the Stehekin experience. We think we’ve found it, but the beauty of this trip is that once runners have arrived, much of the Stehekin experience is based on a “choose your own adventure” ethic. Folks are welcome to lengthen or shorten their trail miles, from 0 to 30+. Opting out of running and scheduling a massage is always an option as well.

Our standard go-to option for day two of the Stehekin trip is a run up Mt. McGregor. McGreggor is the highest point in the Stehekin Valley. It’s a 8 mile one-way climb that gains a solid 6,500’. The return for the effort are golden larches, expansive views, and a heart pumping summit scramble for those comfortable with a bit of craggy scrambling and exposure. The bench just short of the summit, is the perfect lunch spot and an ideal place for an afternoon nap if the weather cooperates. Turn around times are based on a budget of being back to the ranch in time for a shower, beverages, and dinner.

Day 3: Stehekin Exploration

No roads lead to Stehekin. All entry and exit is limited to a boat ferry up Lake Chelan, a chartered float plane, or via foot one of the many trails that criss cross the Cascades. Consequently, the character of the hundred or so permanent residents, is defined by this isolation, resilience, and creativity. The resulting community is an enclave of gardens, homesteads, and ranches. We encourage runners to take a day to run through “town”, rent a bike, or stroll through the historical sites along the valley floor. A few highlights are worth mentioning:

The Stehekin Valley Pastry Company, family owned and operated this bakery will leave a lifelong impression. Expresso, icecream, and a summer’s worth of handmade pastries, pies, and cinnamon rolls fill the counter.

The Buckner Orchard and homestead were acquired by the National Park Service when the North Cascades National Park was created in 1968. The working orchard has been maintained by the park service and the orchard gates are open to the public for wandering and tasting.

The Landing is the cosmopolitan center of Stehekin. Here the national park office, post office, and various cafe’s line the shores of Lake Chelan. A lakeside park and picnic tables dot the shore and the cool alpine waters are particularly refreshing on a hot afternoon.

All of these sites and more are an easy walk from the ranch and can be accessed via a national park shuttle that runs between the landing and the 11 miles of maintained road connecting the lake to the mountains. The shuttle is free for those staying at the ranch, and it will drop you back just in time to hear the dinner bell.

Day 4: Out Via the Pacific Crest Trail or Rainbow Pass

Time follows its own arc in Stehekin. By day 4 it isn’t really clear how long you’ve been there or if there is any other world outside of this contemporary Rivendale.

Multiple trails lead out of the valley, though we prefer one of 2 options. The standard route follows the Pacific Crest Trail. Given the season, it’s inevitable that we fall in line with at least a handful of through hikers who began their journey nearly 2,600 miles earlier at the Mexican border. This route to Highway 20 and the Aspire shuttle is 13 miles with a steady 3,500’ climb following creeks and rivers back to civilization.

Option two incorporates a longer day in the hills, covering 21 miles and 8,300’ of climbing over Rainbow Pass. The extra miles come with alpine lakes and big views but, finish at the same place, the Bridge Creek trailhead. Here the Aspire team has snacks, drop bags, and libations waiting.

To encapsulate the whole of the Stehekin experience into one word, it would have to be “magical”. The time of year, the juxtaposition of wilderness and opulence, the food, the ranch, the pie, the people. The whole of the journey seeps into the cells of the body and lodges permanently into the psyche. Forever after Stehekin becomes a place spoken of in awed, mystical, and somewhat reverential tones.

Tags Fall, North Cascades, Stehekin, trip report

Blog courses Destinations Highlights on the fence Runner Resources Stage trip report Trip Reports and Trip Styles Trip Styles What to Expect on Trips WL Wonderland Circumnavigation Stage

Running the Wonderland Trail with Aspire Adventure Running

Post author By Paula Airth
Post date 4:50 pm

Mt. Rainer is an icon of the Pacific Northwest. A looming 14,410’ mass of rock and ice rising up from the sea in an immense display of majestic beauty. Less obvious is the thin ribbon of trail circling the mountain: the Wonderland. The trail hugs the mountain’s glaciated flanks, weaves through ancient forests, flows through flower-filled meadows, and climbs the many ridges cut by Rainier’s glaciers and rivers. Ninety-three miles long and rising and falling for 21,810’, this trail is easily on the shortlist of the world’s most inspiring footpaths.

Mt. Rainier National Park and the Wonderland Trail has long been heralded as a backpacking destination and every year hundreds of pack-laden hikers spend close to 2 weeks in orbit around the mountain. This is by far the most popular approach, but increasingly the Wonderland trail has been exercising its own gravitational pull on the ultra running community.

Ryan Ghelfi of Ashland OR, currently holds the record for the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the trail (2019), an 18 hour, 27 minute, and 42 second sprint. This record amounts to an average pace of just over 12-minute miles for nearly 19 straight hours. This kind of time or for that matter, any single 93-mile push is remarkable and generally reserved for the elite and/or very determined runner. However, between the extremes of the long slog and the relentless sprint there is the increasingly popular, reasonably accessible, and genuinely adventurous 3-day supported circumnavigation.

The elevation profile for the Wonderland Trail is a jagged saw blade. A line cut by glaciers advancing and retreating over centuries and carving pattern of deep valleys divided by ridgelines on every aspect of the mountain. Atop each ridge an unobstructed mountain view awaits and in each valley lies a ribbon of river melting out from the icy flanks of the mountain. Between them are old growth forests, meadows of wildflowers, cascading creeks, and lots of switchbacks.

Here’s what to expect when running the Wonderland trail with Aspire:

Day 1: Longmire to Mowich Lake (34 Miles, Elevation Gain/Loss +9,755/-7,600)

This section of the Wonderland is the longest and most remote push between campgrounds. We favor attacking this section with fresh legs. It’s a humbling and tone-setting day that consists of 5 significant climbs and long sections of downhill.

Hallmarks of the day are:

Views of the Tahoma Glacier

Swimming in St. Andrew’s Lake

Crossing the South Mowich River

A fast runner could cover the distance in 8 hours. 12 hours is very common. 14 hours is not unreasonable. The longest we’ve had a runner out there was 18.5 hours. It’s not a day to push super hard. Find an uphill pace that can be sustained, a downhill flow that won’t result in twisted ankles, and pause for pictures at every high point.

Camp is at Mowich Lake. 2,300’ up from the South Mowich River, by far this is the remotest front country campground in the park. The Aspire tent, generally a glow in the evening light, is distinct from the small enclave of backpacker tents. A feast is waiting, a hot shower, and a well deserved rest after a long day.

Day 2: Mowich Lake to White River (26 Miles, Elevation +5,871’ / -5,900’)

Waking up at Mowich Lake, one is immediately aware of their sore legs and the fact that this only one third of the way into the trip. The key is to eat a good breakfast, ignore the soreness, and to start moving. The body is wise and inevitably the aches felt in the first few miles of trail melt into the rhythm of movement and the beauty of the surroundings.

On the day’s agenda is:

The Carbon River Suspension Bridge

Lunch in the Mystic Lake valley

Skyscraper Pass

Day two, we usually see runner come in between 6-10 hours. This is the short day of the trip. We celebrate in camp with a bonfire, burgers, and a dutch oven crisp.

Day 3: White River to Longmire, 32 Miles, Elevation +6,800’/ -5,900’

If waking up on day 3 of a Wonderland the thought of with 31 miles still ahead doesn’t make you question your capacity/sanity, you are superhuman. The mere mortals among us can take comfort in the promise of at least hike/hobbling through some pretty spectacular views. This last day is the crux day, and it’s divided into two halves. The first 20 miles connects White River to Box Canyon. Arguably, this is the most scenic section of the entire Wonderland loop.

Summerland

Panhandle Gap

Indian Bar

Cowlitz divide

At Box Canyon, the Wonderland Trail touches asphalt for the second time in 83 miles. Road access equals aid. Cold drinks, watermelon and replenishing salts accompany the motivational mojo to finish.

The last 12 miles from Box Canyon back to Longmire are separated by one last climb, a few waterfalls, and more encounters with humans than every other mile of the trail combined. The trail doesn’t lack in beauty, but compared to what’s been accomplished and the relatively few miles remaining, the mission is to finish.

Reflection lakes

The last six miles of trail from Reflection Lakes to Longmire are literally, with a few minor exceptions, all down hill. The trail widens, the downhill grade softens and barring any debilitating pain it’s somehow easy to open up the stride and really run the last few miles to Longmire.

At the finish are there aren’t any rachous crowds or chintzy medallions. The fanfare of finishing are simply the good eats, cold beverages, and friends who’ve been there throughout the entire journey.

Tags trip report, Wonderland trail