A lodge based exploration of Mt. St. Helens
Presented by
Thursday Sept. 28th- Sunday Oct. 1st 2023
This is a welcoming environment for all types of runners. Our goal is to make all guests feel at home among the mountains where they can disconnect from the busy hustle of life, run in beautiful wild landscapes and meet new friends.
The accommodations will offer a laidback environment with plenty of places to relax, read with an incredible view of Mt. St. Helens, chat with other guests or sit outside to enjoy the scenery.
Territory Run and Aspire Adventure Running staff will organize daily runs into the mountains, serve healthy delicious food daily and provide refreshments of your choice.
All you have to do is come and enjoy your surroundings!
Description
Fall is a great time to be in the mountains. Cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and crisp fall air make for incredible days of running. Head out to Territory Run Camp, and you’ll spend those days on the shoulders of Mt. St. Helens, bearing witness to the past eruption and jawdropping new landscape it has carved. Between the days of running, return to a lodge with sweeping views to eat delicious meals, and be surrounded by a community of friends who love to run in the mountains too.
Trip Overview
Thursday, Day 1
Meet at the Mt. St. Helens Science and Learning Center
Runners are welcome to arrive anytime after 5pm. We’ll have cold drinks and plates of fresh appetizers served alongside libations 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
Run the Mount Margaret Backcountry
After a hot predawn breakfast, runners will be transported to the Johnston Ridge Overlook. Departure times will set runners up to catch the sunrise from Harry’s Ridge, with views of Coldwater and Spirit Lake below and Mt. St. Helens dominating the southern horizon. From Coldwater Peak, our distance groups divide. Those running further head over Mt. Margaret and a chain of ridgelines and alpine lakes. The short distance runners descend then climb up and over Blastzone Butte to drop onto the shores of Coldwater Lake. Both routes finish at the St. Helens Science and Learning Center basecamp. Dinner, drinks, and celebrations are a guarantee.
Saturday, Day 3
Run the Loowit Trail
Runners have 3 distance options for the day, each requiring an early start and offering access to the Loowit Trail. A 17 mile option takes runners over Windy Pass, offering not-so-distant views of Mt. Adams and a close encounter with the East Face of Helens. The 24 mile option traverses the full blast zone, and circles the West Face of Helens. Both of these groups converge at June Lake and can expect a fully stocked lakeside aid station and a shuttle from the nearby trailhead back to basecamp. The 40 mile runners begin their day with everyone at Johnston Point, but make the full circumnavigation of the mountain traveling in a counterclockwise direction and finishing the “lolli-pop” back at their start. An Aspire shuttle will connect the start/finish with basecamp and libations/celebrations.
Sunday, Day 4
Breakfast and Goodbyes
Runners will wake up for a final breakfast, weekend reflection, and say their goodbyes. All activities will wrap by 10:00am.
Capacity
We have spots for 40 mountain loving runners. So grab your friends and let’s spend our days in the hills and our evenings sharing meals and drinks as the conversation and laughter mingles with starlight.
Transportation
This trip begins and ends at the Mt. St. Helens Science and Learning Center. Aspire will provide an optional round trip shuttle from SeaTac to Mount St. Helens on Thursday afternoon and Sunday morning. There will also be carpool options from Portland.
Accommodations
Our basecamp for this Rendezvous will be The Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center. The lodge includes bunks beds and cots. Once these are full, outdoor camping on the grounds may be opened. Aspire will provide lively camp amenities for a remote but comfortable “glamp” style experience. We will prepare all our meals and have access to comfortable indoor spaces for dining, orientation, and community activities.
Trip Insurance
Every year we have at least one runner who due to injury, illness, or personal/familial circumstances can not participate in their registered trip. While registrations can be transferred, Aspire does not issue refunds. We strongly encourage each runner to purchase 3rd party trip insurance that will reimburse the cost of registration in the event that you are unable to participate in the event.
