Mad Meadows 50

The Mad Meadows 50 returns to Leavenworth, Washington on October 10th with its signature blend of rugged terrain and breathtaking views, marking the heart of Larch Season in the Eastern Cascades.
Participants can expect a challenging course that winds through diverse landscapes, starting at the Chiwawa River Road (USFS 62) before diverging into different routes for each distance. The morning atmosphere is crisp with early fall chill as runners gather along US Forest Service roads and trails leading up to Mad Meadows. With temperatures around 10-15 degrees Celsius on average, conditions are cool but not overly cold.
Since its inception in recent years, the Mad Meadows 50 has become a beloved fixture of Leavenworth’s autumn calendar, drawing hundreds of trail runners eager for adventure amidst stunning natural beauty. Each year sees increased participation as word spreads about the course's unique challenges and scenic delights. A portion of proceeds from both distances benefits local conservation efforts aimed at preserving these extraordinary vistas.
The Mad Meadows 50 features two demanding routes: a rigorous 50-mile loop and a more moderate but still challenging 50-kilometer trek, each starting on Chiwawa River Road before diverging into distinct trails. Both courses ascend to elevations surpassing 6000 feet for the shorter distance and beyond 7000 feet for the longer one. Runners will encounter varied terrain including steep climbs, technical sections, smooth single track paths along Mad River and through Mad Meadows, as well as panoramic views across the Entiat River Valley and glaciated slopes of Clark Mountain.
Weather conditions in October typically include average temperatures ranging from 5 to 16 degrees Celsius with a high humidity level around 73%. The forecast predicts light winds at an average speed of 4.5 km/hour, minimal rainfall expected at about 2 millimeters, little chance for snowfall, and approximately seven hours forty-three minutes of sunshine throughout the day.