Chuckanut 50k Race (RD Krissy Moehl), Fairhaven WA
Chuckanut 50k
Fairhaven (Bellingham), WA
Race guide
Updated 19 July 2026
The Chuckanut 50k is one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved early-season ultras, directed by Krissy Moehl and set in the forested hills above Bellingham, Washington. Starting and finishing at Fairhaven Park, the 50 km route climbs to a high point of 582 m and accumulates 1,398 m of total gain — modest by mountain ultra standards, but relentlessly technical on trails that can be saturated with late-winter mud and slick roots. What defines this race is its rhythm: a long climb from sea level up through the Chuckanut Mountains, a ridge traverse, a descent, and a flat coastal interurban finish that rewards runners who have managed their effort honestly through the middle miles. Typically held in late March, the Chuckanut 50k draws competitive and recreational runners alike to one of the most scenic trail networks in western Washington. The course links Fairhaven Park, Lost Lake, the Cleator Road corridor, the high ridge trail, the infamous Chinscraper climb, and the Fragrance Lake / Interurban junction before returning to the park. With three crew access points and a 16:00 finish cut-off, it is a well-organized event with firm but reasonable time limits that reward consistent forward movement.
Course & Terrain Overview
The race rolls out of Fairhaven Park (27 m elevation) on runnable trails before reaching the first aid station at the Lost Lake Parking Lot at 10 km (86 m). This opening section is the flattest of the day and serves as a warm-up — use it to settle into a controlled rhythm rather than charging hard. From Lost Lake the course begins climbing in earnest toward the Two Dollar Trailhead on Cleator Road at 22 km, where the elevation has risen to 522 m. This is the highest aid station and represents the bulk of the day's climbing compressed into a 12 km stretch. Expect rooted singletrack, muddy switchbacks, and sections of trail that hold water well into spring. Beyond Aid 2, the course drops slightly to the Ridge Trail entrance at 26 km (428 m) before threading across the ridge. The terrain throughout the Chuckanut Mountains is classic Pacific Northwest forest — second-growth fir and cedar, mossy boulders, and trail surfaces that can range from fast packed dirt in dry years to ankle-deep mud after a wet winter. Footing demands constant attention, and aggressive lug soles are strongly recommended regardless of recent weather.
Decisive Climbs & Descents — Where the Race Is Won or Lost
The central climb from Lost Lake to the Two Dollar Trailhead (roughly km 10–22) is the physiological crux of the race. Covering 436 m of gain over 12 km, it is sustained enough to punish anyone who goes out too hard in the opening 10 km. Hiking the steeper pitches here is not a weakness — it is correct pacing. Runners who charge this section typically pay the price on the back half. The section known as Chinscraper — whose base is marked by Aid 4 at 32.7 km (448 m) — is the emotional pivot of the day. The name is self-explanatory: it is a steep, hands-on-knees grind that arrives at a point in the race when legs are already accumulating fatigue. The cut-off at Aid 4 is 13:30, meaning runners need to have managed the preceding descent and approach efficiently. After Chinscraper, the course descends to Aid 5 at the Fragrance Lake Trail / Interurban junction (40 km, 78 m) with a 15:00 cut-off. The final 10 km back to Fairhaven Park is predominantly flat on the Interurban Trail — deceptively runnable but often underestimated by runners who have blown up on the climbs.
Pacing & Fueling Strategy
Given the course profile — a big climb from km 10 to km 22, a technical ridge, Chinscraper, and then a flat finish — the optimal strategy is to treat the first 10 km as a controlled warm-up and bank perceived effort rather than time. Run to power or feel on the Cleator Road climb, and commit to hiking whenever the grade demands it. Reaching Aid 2 at 22 km feeling composed is the single biggest predictor of a strong back half. Fueling windows align well with the aid station spacing. Aid 1 at 10 km is crew-accessible, making it a good point to confirm nutrition and swap any kit. The 12 km gap between Aid 1 and Aid 2 is the longest between stops and covers the hardest climbing, so leave Lost Lake with enough calories and fluid for 90 minutes to two-plus hours of effort. From Aid 4 at 32.7 km, you have roughly 7.3 km to the Interurban junction — keep taking in calories even if appetite fades, because the flat final 10 km to the finish rewards runners who are still fueled. Aim to arrive at Aid 5 (40 km) by 14:30 at the very latest to have comfortable buffer against the 15:00 cut-off and the 16:00 finish deadline.
Conditions to Expect
Late March in the Chuckanut Mountains means late winter in practice. Expect cool to cold temperatures at the start — often in the 4–10 °C range — with conditions that can shift between overcast, light rain, and brief clearings over the course of the day. The ridge sections above 400 m can be noticeably colder and windier than the valley trails, so a light wind shell or packable layer is worth carrying even when the morning feels mild at Fairhaven Park. Trail conditions are the wildest variable. In a wet winter — which is the norm in western Washington — trails below 300 m can be deeply muddy and rooted sections become slippery. The Cleator Road corridor drains reasonably well but the singletrack approaches can be saturated. Waterproof or water-resistant trail shoes are a legitimate consideration, and gaiters help keep debris out on the muddier sections. Snow is unlikely at race elevations but not unheard of on the upper ridge in early spring. Check race communications from RD Krissy Moehl in the days before the event for any course condition updates.
Race Chuckanut 50k with Crux
Get the strategy, fuelling and crew plan dialled for this exact course — built from the real route, climbs and cut-offs. Your first race is free.
Plan this race — freeCourse profile
Checkpoints & cut-offs
✓ Course data verified against the official source (2026-07-05) · official source
0 km · 27 m · —
10.9 km · 54 m · —
16.4 km · 270 m · —
20.9 km · 430 m · —
32.7 km · 448 m · Sat 13:30
40.2 km · 84 m · Sat 15:00
50 km · 30 m · Sat 16:00
More races
More independent
More in United States
Similar distance (50–100 km)
Racing Chuckanut 50k?
Get a complete race strategy — pacing, fuelling, crew plan and the crux moments — built on this exact course.
Plan your race in Crux →Strava is your training. Crux is your races.