Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Central Washington Cascades with the Dark Divide Trail Races, set for September 4, 2026, in Randle, WA. Offering formidable distances of 100M, 100K, 50K, and 15M, these races are renowned for their profound beauty, remote wilderness, and rugged challenge. The courses weave through the vast, 70,000+ acre Dark Divide Roadless Area within Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, presenting runners with seldom-traveled, technical trails that are largely singletrack and feature significant elevation changes—over 26,000 feet of gain for the 100M, approximately 16,500 feet for the 100K, and 9,000 feet for the 50K. Prepare for breathtaking scenery, including stunning sub-alpine ridges adorned with wildflowers, ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of glaciated volcanoes like Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount Saint Helens.

This event is not for the faint of heart; it is explicitly advertised as "NOT AT ALL A BEGINNER LEVEL ULTRAMARATHON," with the 100 Miler proudly serving as a Hardrock 100 qualifier. Runners consistently describe the experience as exhilarating, exhausting, and life-changing, with a deep appreciation for the wild remoteness. Aid stations, while well-stocked with essentials like fruit, candy, and hot food, can be up to 13-16 miles apart in the Roadless Area, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency and navigational skills in minimally marked sections. Pacers are permitted for the 100M at designated aid stations later in the race. Typical race day conditions in early September offer pleasant highs around 78°F and lows around 50°F, with a low 7% chance of precipitation, providing a generally favorable environment for tackling the demanding terrain.

The race headquarters, start, and finish lines (for most distances) are conveniently located at the Cispus Learning Center, which provides bunkhouses, showers, a kitchen, and ample parking, along with nearby camping options. The 100K offers a unique point-to-point adventure, starting at Wright Meadow and concluding at the Cispus Learning Center, though runners should note that no shuttle service is provided for this course. The Dark Divide Trail Races promise an unparalleled adventure, challenging both body and spirit while immersing participants in one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular and untamed landscapes.