EPIC

ep·ic (pk)

 very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale);

PHOTOS    STORY

EPIC #1:   FEBUARY 12 2005    37 MILES     13,000 FT of GAIN

this is the first run of about a half dozen unsupported fun runs culminating with the 3 day memorial day weekend in the olympics

the routes will be devised to provide the average runner just enough time to finish before sunset if they start at sunrise.

other than a profile and route description no other aid will be provided, no water, no 1st aid, nothing-- you're on your own.

ROUTE:

START from the mt rose trailhead parking lot. 
take fs road 24 east 3 miles to big creek camp.
enter camp and stay to the left.  take upper loop trail (827.1) bearing nw
follow 1 3/4 miles to mt ellinor connector trail (827.2).
following the connector trail you'll arrive at the mt ellinor trail (812) near the lower trailhead in 1.2 miles.
continue uphill on trail 812 for 2.5 miles
bear left taking the summer (read no snow) route 0.6 miles all the way to the summit. Cumulative Mileage [9.1]
turn around and repeat in reverse the climb and the road run all the way back to the mt. rose trail head where you started. [18.2]
take the mt rose trail (814) uphill for 1.8 miles to the summit loop
you can go either way to the top: to the left is shorter and steeper 1.1 miles or to the right slightly more gradual at 1.7 miles. [20.9]
from the top continue around the summit to finish the loop
go down to the trailhead the same way you came up. [24.4]
from the trailhead take fs road 24 3.5 miles west to staircase in the national park. [27.9] 
stay straight thru parking lot and cross big bridge.
 soon the trail up to wagonwheel  lake will be on the right climb up 2.8 miles to the lake [30.7]
 enjoy the top of your last climb, turn around and head down to staircase [33.5]
 and take fs road 24 back to the FINISH at the mt rose trail head  [37]

Driving Directions:

FROM OLYMPIA: take 101 north 35 miles to hoodsport
turn left onto hwy 119 follow signs towards lake cushman
after 9 miles turn left onto fs road 24/jorsted creek rd
mt rose trail head parking lot is on right after 3 miles
TOTAL MILES: 47  Drive Time: 1:15

FROM SEATTLE: take I-5 to Olympia and follow above directions.
TOTAL MILES: 107  DRIVE TIME: 2:30  

FROM PORTLAND: take I-5 to Olympia and follow above directions.
TOTAL MILES: 155  DRIVE TIME: 3:15