Alpine Solstice

One of the longest days of the year. Classic Bend single‑track. The start of mountain season. Alpine Solstice returns to the Deschutes National Forest on Saturday, June 20, 2026, starting at Swampy Lakes Sno Park. Choose the 55k (new for 2025 — past Tumalo Falls, 4,000 ft gain/loss, 90% single‑track, 11.5 hours) or the half marathon (1,300 ft gain, fast, non‑technical, perfect for first‑time trail half). No transfers to other runners. 50% credit toward next year's race for cancellations more than 30 days out — no credit for cancellations within 30 days. No refunds if the race is forced to cancel (wildfires, air quality, COVID, etc.).

Location — Swampy Lakes Sno Park, Bend, Oregon:

• Swampy Lakes Sno Park is located on the Cascade Lakes Highway, about 20 minutes west of Bend
• Elevation approximately 5,000 ft — classic Central Oregon high desert terrain
• The area is a winter snowmobile and cross‑country ski hub, but in June it's prime trail running country
• No snow in June — just smooth single‑track through lodgepole pine forests

55k Course — New for 2025, Returning in 2026:

• Past the famous Tumalo Falls — a 97‑foot waterfall just west of Bend
• Beautiful sights of the high Cascade peaks (South Sister, Broken Top, Mount Bachelor)
• 4 fully stocked aid stations with water, Precision electrolyte drink, gels, Coke, Ginger Ale, and snacks
• 90% single‑track — classic Bend smooth trail
• 10% two‑track (wider forest roads)
• 11.5 hour cutoff (approximately 20 min/mile pace — generous)

Half Marathon Course — Fast, Non‑Technical, First‑Timer Friendly:

• Winds through Deschutes National Forest off Cascade Lakes Highway
• Flowing single‑track — classic Central Oregon
• Only 1,300 ft elevation gain — very mild for a trail half in the Cascades
• Mostly non‑technical — no significant rock gardens or steep climbs
• One aid station at mile 9.5 (water, electrolyte, gels, snacks)
• Great choice for a first trail half marathon or a fast training run

What's Included:

• Chip timing
• Finisher medal
• Event shirt (technical fabric)
• Aid stations with water, Precision electrolyte drink, Coke, Ginger Ale, gels, and snacks
• Medical support on course
• Bag drop at start/finish
• Post‑race refreshments

Refund & Cancellation Policy — Strict, No Exceptions:

• No transfers to other runners — no exceptions
• Cancellation more than 30 days before race → 50% credit toward the same event the following year
• Cancellation 30 days or less from race day → no credit, no refund, no transfer
• If Alpine Running is forced to cancel the race for any reason (wildfires, air quality, COVID‑19, natural disaster, permitting agency closures, etc.) and the event cannot be feasibly rescheduled — no refunds, no race credits, no rollovers
• "Please do not ask us to break our policy."

Logistics:

• Start/Finish: Swampy Lakes Sno Park (parking available — arrive early)
• Bib pickup: race morning at the sno park (check event website for exact times)
• No dogs allowed on course (national forest regulations)
• Strollers not recommended on single‑track (55k not suitable; half marathon maybe, but check with RD)
• Wheelchair accessibility not possible on these trails

Weather & Preparedness:

• June in the Oregon Cascades: daytime highs 65‑80°F, lows 40‑50°F
• Sun exposure — much of the course is in the open or lightly forested. Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
• Afternoon thunderstorms possible — be aware of lightning risk at higher elevations
• Wildfire smoke can be an issue in June — check AirNow and race updates before traveling

Top Performances (55k Men, 2025):

• Nick Stice — 3:45:17
• Chase Parnell — 3:46:15
• Finn Miller — 3:48:16 (age 18)

Organizer: Alpine Running.