hamilton mountain: what the beacon rock 50k has in store

“You see that mountain over there? Yeah, one of these days I’m gonna climb that mountain…” – Alabama, Mountain Music

When I signed up for the Beacon Rock 50k, I knew that I was in for a tough race. After all, this is a Rainshadow Running race, and race director James Varner is known for his punishing courses. But when I started hearing from a lot of tough folks that this course was brutal, I knew I needed to find out what I am in for.

So bright and early, Julie & I headed out to run just one of the loops – the Hamilton Mtn/Hardy Creek loop.

The race map – these trails are a bit confusing, to say the least.

After some initial confusion about where we were supposed to start (but a successful location of the group camp that will mark the start of our race), we ended up in the Beacon Rock campground parking lot. The trail climbs quickly from there, passing by open vistas of the Columbia Gorge and Hamilton Mountain looming high above. Our first gasps of delight came from the Pool of the Winds, a cascading waterfall with a cavernous fall you can hike up to. A study of our race map, though, suggests that we won’t pass by this cool waterfall during the race. Folks heading out to the race early may want to go ahead and hike the trail (it’s about 1.5 miles from the campground) just to check out this cool spot.

Another view of the Pool of Winds.

After passing the falls, we came to a “Rainshadow” fork in the road. During the race, we will be dropping down from the Hardy Creek Trail and climbing up the Hamilton Mountain trail.

In typical Rainshadow style, we will take both during the race.

The punishing climb continues up for two more miles, switching back regularly.

Glancing up the trail. More hills.

Wildflowers were in bloom along the cliffs – Indian paintbrush, lupine, and scotch bluebell are the only ones I could name, but heck, you don’t need to know their names to know they are beautiful.

As we climbed higher, we were rewarded with views of Mt Hood and even Mt Adams. On a perfectly clear day, it will be outstanding.

Ah. The top.

Looking back at Hamilton Mtn before descending.

Descending wasn’t too bad, though the trail is quite technical in spots. Proud of ourselves & our big climb, we tweeted out that we had made it to the top…only to learn that the steeper climb was on the other loop! So guess who’s heading back out in a couple of weeks to check out the other part of the course…

I had cougars on my mind the entire time. There have also been bear sightings in the area. Awesome!

Notes on this loop for the 50k race:

• The climbs are going to be long and tough. Go out too fast on the first loop and you will pay for it.
• The course is stunning. So many spots that take your breath away.
• Sunscreen. Lots of exposed areas, so need to bring some.
• The aid stations will come after the big climbs and will be a fair distance time wise. Two handhelds for sure, and if it is really hot, maybe a third bottle.