The Bachelor Summit Trailfest returns to Mount Bachelor in Oregon on October 3rd, offering a unique alpine adventure for runners of all paces across the weekend. The event takes place high up on Mount Bachelor and involves various distances including timed loops from six hours to twenty-four hours as well as shorter trail runs like the Cloudchaser 12K and Summit Vista 16K. Participants will start at West Village Lodge, with race headquarters also located there along with Pine Marten Lodge situated higher up.
On a typical October morning in Mount Bachelor, temperatures hover around freezing or just above, making it necessary for runners to dress warmly despite the possibility of some sunshine during the day. The weather can be unpredictable, with an average temperature ranging from -4.6°C at its lowest to 4.2°C at its peak. Humidity is relatively high at 67.7%, and there's a chance of light precipitation throughout the weekend.
The Bachelor Summit Trailfest has been running since 2019, attracting runners who are drawn by the breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain of Mount Bachelor. The race supports local communities in Central Oregon through its presence and economic impact during an otherwise quiet season for tourism. Runners can expect a well-organized event with aid stations and restrooms available throughout both West Village Lodge at the base and Pine Marten Lodge higher up.
The course offers rugged trails with firm, slightly soft conditions that test runners' endurance while providing stunning views of Central Oregon’s volcanic landscape. The start and finish lines are located at Pine Marten Lodge for the timed loops and various trail events spread across different sections of Mount Bachelor. Runners can access these areas via the included use of the Pine Marten Chairlift, which also serves as a way to transport drop bags.
Weather conditions in October typically include an average temperature range from -4.6°C to 4.2°C, with humidity at around 67%. The risk of precipitation is notable, with expected rainfall up to 3.1mm and snowfall reaching approximately 1.4mm over the course weekend. UV index levels are moderate.
Summit Loop 12
Start: 06:00:00 • Fee: $225.00
Summit Loop 24
Start: 06:00:00 • Fee: $285.00
Summit Loop 6
Start: 06:00:00 • Fee: $165.00
Summit Vista 16K
16K • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $115.00
Cloudchaser 12K
12K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $85.00
Red Road Hill Dash
Start: 10:00:00 • Fee: $65.00
The Bachelor Summit Trailfest offers a variety of distances including timed loops from six hours to twenty-four hours as well as shorter trail runs like the Cloudchaser 12K, Summit Vista 16K, and Red Road Hill Dash among others. Each distance has its own registration fee ranging from $85 for the Cloudchaser 12K up to $285 for the full-day Summit Loop 24.
Registration is available at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=134168, where participants can secure their spot in one of Mount Bachelor’s most scenic races. Fees include access to aid stations and use of the Pine Marten Chairlift. The registration deadline for this year's event is September 27th at midnight.
Participants should collect bib numbers during pickup on Friday from 4:00 PM until race start time Saturday morning. At West Village Lodge, bring a photo ID along with your confirmation email or printed receipt to claim your packet and drop bags if applicable. The race starts promptly at Pine Marten Lodge via the chairlift system.
The Bachelor Summit Trailfest takes place in Mount Bachelor, Oregon on October 3rd, featuring challenging courses that showcase Central Oregon’s natural beauty through a variety of distances suitable for all levels of runners. This event is worth attending due to its unique setting atop one of Oregon's most iconic peaks and its community-centric approach to celebrating the sport of running amidst stunning alpine scenery.