About This Race
Beast of Big Creek stands as a true mountain race with a seventeen-year history of challenging runners on the steep trails leading to Mount Ellinor's iconic summit in Washington's Olympic Mountains. For 2026, Rock Candy Running has elevated the event's profile by making it North America's only race in the prestigious Skyrunner World Series, welcoming international competitors to experience the best of Pacific Northwest trail running. The race takes place above Lake Cushman near Hoodsport on the Olympic Peninsula, where runners tackle technical mountain terrain on 100% singletrack trails. With 5,300 feet of elevation gain packed into 14 miles, the course demands both technical skill and sustained climbing ability as it ascends through Olympic National Forest to one of the region's most recognizable peaks. Operated under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, the event maintains strong relationships with land managers and trail crews who keep these mountain paths accessible. The race offers two distances across a weekend format, with the main Skyrace on Saturday drawing the international field and a shorter Forest Loop providing a more accessible option on Sunday.
The Skyrace follows steep mountain trails through Olympic National Forest, climbing 5,300 feet over 14 miles to reach the summit of Mount Ellinor. The course runs entirely on singletrack paths, offering technical mountain terrain that tests both climbing endurance and technical descending skills.
Starting from Big Creek Campground near Hoodsport, runners ascend through forested terrain toward one of the Olympic Mountains' most distinctive peaks. The route provides classic Pacific Northwest mountain running, with dense forest giving way to alpine views as runners approach the iconic summit before returning to the start/finish area.
Aid Stations
2 stations along the course
Aid Station 1
Aid Station 2
Practical Info
August typically brings warm, dry conditions to the Olympic Peninsula, though mountain weather can change quickly with potential for cooler temperatures and variable conditions at elevation.
SEA - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Big Creek Campground offers on-site camping options. Additional accommodation information for nearby Hoodsport area will be provided closer to the event date.
Best For
Notable Features
As North America's only Skyrunner World Series race, Beast of Big Creek offers international competition on classic Pacific Northwest mountain terrain. The race's seventeen-year history and summit finish on iconic Mount Ellinor make it a distinctive challenge for serious mountain runners seeking technical, high-elevation racing.