The Baker Lake 50k Trail Run occurs in a beautiful serene, fall setting. The 50K out and back course offers unique features, beautiful forested trail, and awesome scenery. The run starts in the Kulshan Campground, where campers can enjoy a free campsite the night before the run. The runners leave the campground on a paved road the first quarter mile, which crosses the scenic Upper Baker Dam. Once across, the road turns to gravel for just over a mile, until runners come to the trailhead of the Baker Lake Trail.

Baker River Suspension Bridge

The 14 mile long, single track trail meanders along the lake with short trips into deep, old growth forest. The trail is rolling, with countless rises and descents, and turns along the hillside. Mossy, slippery footbridges are strategically placed to wake the runner from any lapse in concentration. Fresh, fallen, multicolored maple leaves cover the landscape. Tricky steps across log bridges, and views from bridges over cascading streams, can invite pictures and side trips along the lake.

Near mile 12 of the trail, runners enter the deposits of the Baker River, and at trail mile 13.5, runners cross the span of the Baker River suspension bridge. From here, one can look to the right, up the Baker River Valley to the mountaintops above, or left, a southerly view of Baker Lake. Once across the bridge, runners head south on a wide horse trail to the Baker River Trailhead at trail mile 14.0, or run mile 15.75.

At the Turnaround aid station, runners can expect to replenish their supplies before they head back to the finish. Aid will include carbo drink, Coke, Mt. Dew, water, sandwiches, cookies, chips, and other ultra fuel. Runners will also be able to have drop bags taken to the turnaround aid station. Once they fill up on food and festivities, runners have the return 15.75 mile trip, crossing the Baker River suspension bridge on the North end, to the Upper Baker Dam on the south end, to complete their journey.

Click here for road and trail conditions provided by Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest.

Click here for Washington Trails Association commentary on trail. Be sure to check the "Recent Trip Reports" at the bottom of the page.

Top of Page