When is the Hyak Passage 25K?

Saturday, October 3, 2026. The 25K starts at 9:00 AM Pacific from the Hyak Trailhead at Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. The finish-line cutoff is 4:30 PM.

Where does the Hyak Passage 25K start and finish?

Start and finish are at the Hyak Trailhead on the Palouse to Cascades Trail at Snoqualmie Pass. Take I-90 east to Exit 54 and follow event parking signs.

How long is the course and how much elevation gain?

15.5 miles (25K) with about 1,800 feet of elevation gain. The course runs the Palouse to Cascades Trail through the Snoqualmie Tunnel, climbs to Annette Lake on single track, and returns the same way.

Is a headlamp required?

Yes. The Snoqualmie Tunnel is 2.25 miles long with no light inside, and you pass through it twice. Headlamps are mandatory for all participants.

How much does the Hyak Passage 25K cost?

Entry is $139 early bird (April 8 - June 30), $155 regular (July 1 - August 15), and $175 late (August 16 - October 2).

Are there refunds or transfers?

No refunds for any reason and no transfers to another runner. Deferrals are not offered except for qualifying medical circumstances. Withdrawals receive partial credit toward a future Cielo Running event.

What are the aid stations like?

Two aid stations on course. Lake Aid Station at mile 7 has water, chips, cookies and candy, plus first aid. Trailhead Aid Station at mile 10.5 has the full menu including PB&J, fruit, gels, Gnarly electrolyte, and drop-bag access.

Through a century-old rail tunnel to an alpine lake. A 25K trail race in the Cascades.

15.5 miles of gravel, single track, and mountain weather. October 3, 2026. Snoqualmie Pass, WA.

Trail runners in golden autumn light on the Palouse to Cascades Trail

25K+1,800' Vert7.5 Hr LimitSnoqualmie Pass

A welcoming trail race built around the tunnel, the lake, and a full day out in the mountains.

With 1,800 feet of gain and more than half the course on smooth gravel, Hyak Passage is approachable by trail race standards without losing the trail race parts: mountain weather, single track, aid stations, cutoffs, and a real finish line.

Timing is used for tracking and safety; public results are not posted. You can race hard, run steady, or use the generous 7.5-hour limit to take in the tunnel, Annette Lake, and the place itself.

Mountain trail through the Central Cascades

The Tunnel

The Snoqualmie Tunnel is 2.25 miles long and over 110 years old. There is no light inside. You will run through it twice, once at the start, once near the finish. Headlamps are mandatory.

Built in 1914 as a railroad passage through the Cascades, the tunnel sits on the Palouse to Cascades Trail and closes for the winter shortly after race day. This is one of the last chances to pass through it before the season ends.

Runners on the Palouse to Cascades Trail in autumn

Autumn forest along the trail near Snoqualmie Pass

The Route

The Tunnel & Palouse to Cascades Trail

Miles 0–4.25Wide gravel

Start at Hyak Trailhead and immediately enter the Snoqualmie Tunnel. 2.25 miles of complete darkness through a 110-year-old railroad passage. Headlamps on. Emerge into daylight and continue along the wide, smooth gravel of the Palouse to Cascades Trail until you reach the Annette Lake junction.

Annette Lake Trail

Miles 4.25–10.5Single track

Leave the gravel and climb the Annette Lake Trail. Moderate single track through forest, rooty and rocky in places. The Lake Aid Station sits at mile 7 beside the alpine lake. Then descend back to the Annette Lake Trailhead, where the full-service Trailhead Aid Station waits at mile 10.5.

The Return

Miles 10.5–15.5Mixed

Climb back up the Annette Lake Trail for one mile, then turn left onto the Palouse to Cascades Trail. The final 4.25 miles retrace the opening in reverse. Smooth gravel, then the tunnel one last time, and finish where you started at Hyak Trailhead.

Course Map

Hyak Trailhead to Annette Lake and back. Two aid stations, two tunnel passages, 15.5 miles. View interactive map on CalTopo

On Course

Lake Aid Station

Mile 7

Water, chips, and assorted cookies or candy. Volunteers hike everything 3.5 miles to get it here, so supplies stay minimal. There is no road access to the lake. First aid and feminine hygiene products available.

Trailhead Aid Station

Mile 10.5

Water, chips, assorted cookies or candy, pickles, Gnarly electrolyte drink, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, gels, plus first aid and feminine hygiene products. Drop bag access. Crew access point.

Volunteers track all participants at each aid station, so wear your bib visibly on the front of your body. If you are not leaving an aid station by its cutoff time, you will be given transport back to the finish area. Anyone who clears the Trailhead Aid Station cutoff will receive an official finish, even if they cross the line after 4:30 PM.

Runner on single track through Pacific Northwest forest

Race Day

Saturday, October 3, 2026. All times Pacific.

8:00 AMBib pick-up opens at start/finish

9:00 AM25K start

1:00 PMCutoff: Lake Aid Station (mile 7)

2:30 PMCutoff: Trailhead Aid Station (mile 10.5)

4:30 PMFinish line cutoff

Runners through Pacific Northwest forest

This event takes place on Snoqualmie Tribe ancestral lands.

The Snoqualmie Tribe welcomes people who respectfully enjoy their ancestral lands. They ask that visitors recreate in moderation, stay on designated trails, and support the Tribe's stewardship and education efforts. We are guests here.

Aid station volunteers supporting runners

Logistics

Getting there

Start and finish at the Hyak Trailhead on the Palouse to Cascades Trail. Take I-90 east to Exit 54 and follow the event parking signs. Follow Hyak Dr E toward HWY 906, turn left toward the WA State DOT facility, go 0.4 miles, turn right, then turn right again into the trailhead parking area.

Parking

Washington State Discover Pass required. Day pass is $10, annual pass is $30. Available online or at the trailhead. Proceeds go directly to the park system.

Required gear

Headlamp (mandatory, the tunnel is 2.25 miles with zero light). Adequate hydration and nutrition for your effort level. Layers for variable mountain weather in October.

Drop bags

One drop bag per person at Trailhead Aid Station (mile 10.5). Bring your own bag, label it with your name and bib number, and use the tarp, duct tape, and sharpies at check-in if needed. Volunteers transport bags out and back, and they return to the finish after the aid station closes around 3:30 PM.

Crew access

Annette Lake Trailhead is the only place crew can see you on course. It is a 12 to 15 minute drive from the start, parking is limited, and the road can be rough.

Crew parking passes

Annette Lake Trailhead is U.S. Forest Service land. Valid passes there include the NW Forest Pass, the America the Beautiful / Interagency Pass, or a US Forest Service day pass. The Washington State Discover Pass is not valid at the crew access trailhead.

Course markings

Yellow and black arrow signs at every junction. Pink and black checkered confidence ribbons every half mile or so. The course follows two trails: the Palouse to Cascades Trail (wide gravel) and the Annette Lake Trail (single track).

Costume policy

Costumes are encouraged, but keep them culturally respectful and non-gory. No costumes that mock groups of people or appropriate cultures. The tunnel is already scary enough.