CWES - ShellRockin' Loop

The Cascadian Wilderness Endurance Series events present an exciting opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to participate in a multimedia adventure blogging contest. These self-supported/unsupported events are open to trail runners, backpackers, fastpackers, and hikers, and each event features a unique and defined route which participants must complete on foot and in one push. Unlike traditional endurance races, there are no course markings or aid stations along the way, providing participants with the freedom to create their own adventure. It’s all up to you! Participants can choose to tackle the route solo or with a couple friends. There are no cutoffs, so participants can take as much time as they need to complete the route without pressure. This unique event is not just about the physical challenge or exploring wild and beautiful places, but also about the opportunity to capture and share the beauty of the wilderness through captivating multimedia content.

After finishing your route, share your trip report about your experience. You can do this by posting in the Facebook group, tagging us in an Instagram post, making a YouTube video, creating a photo album, or any other artistic endeavor you can imagine. Submit your time via the event page on Ultrasignup. If you have a GPS track, please include it. If you happened to get the FKT for the year, you must provide GPS proof. Each year a meetup will be held in Seattle to wrap up the previous year, kick off the next year, make any big announcements about new routes or changes, and hand out patches, awards, and prizes for the previous year’s participants. If you are unable to attend the event, arrangements can be made to mail your patches to you. We strongly encourage all entrants to join the CWES Facebook Group and/or follow the @CascadianWildernessEndurance Instagram to ask questions about the routes, gather and share trail beta, connect with other participants, scope out the competition, and keep up to date on the most recent news, information, and general goings on.

ShellRockin' Loop

ShellRockin' is a remote loop in the Pasayten Wilderness approximately 42 miles long (but probably closer to 50) with about 14,000ft of gain. The crux of this route is a 7 mile off-trail traverse of ridges and peaks between 7000 and 8700 feet above sea level. Depending on the time of the year there could be steep snow travel required and rock fall is always a danger, as well as lightning and exposure. The rest of the route should be pretty straightforward, but following the route could be tricky after you complete the traverse as you descend into the Middle Fork Pasayten Valley as well as the northern end of Buckskin Ridge Trail. Excellent navigation skills, as well as alpine traveling skills, are a must. At this time I recommend doing the loop counter-clockwise for two reasons. One, to make sure you get done with the off-trail section before dark, and two, to try to get through the off-trail section before possible afternoon lightning storms. I also recommend using a GPS device or smartphone with an app like Gaia or Caltopo that has the GPX file for this route uploaded, but do keep in mind that the GPX file was created by me drawing a line on a map, not an actual recording from someone doing this route--I have not done the off-trail part of this route. From all of my research, it does seem that the route is doable but going off route could lead to some tricky or dangerous areas. And in addition to your normal safety gear you might want to bring traction and/or an ice axe, as snow might linger here late into the summer in some parts of the off-trail traverse, and you might want to wear a rock helmet at times on the traverse. August is the ideal time to do this route. Though a month earlier or later could be possible, you could be pushing your luck with snow possible. - James Varner

Trailhead Directions: The Start/Finish is near Harts Pass near Mazama, WA. Drive up Hart's Pass Rd (rough road, sometimes 4WD needed but not usually, high clearance is needed. Expect the last 12 miles of the drive to take about an hour) and go past the Harts Pass Ranger Station towards Slate Peak. There will be a trailhead about 1.6 miles after the ranger station and you can park there. You'll probably need a NW Forest Pass. This is the trailhead for Buckskin Ridge Trail and Middle Fork Pasayten Trail.

Rationale: A small part of the fee will go to cover website maintenance and domain registration, as well as getting patches made and other small goodies/swag. The majority of this fee will be donated to trail maintenance organizations. The goal is to empower people to get out into these wilderness areas and hopefully to protect them into the future.