Darrington, August 12. 34 Miles of wilderness trails.7,410' Elevation Gain.

Bill Emerson and Calla Romses set course records at the second annual

Glacier Peak Trail Run. Conditions were much improved over last year's inaugural run, when snow covered parts of the course.

This North Cascades wilderness race is a loop course heading southwest from

the Suiattle River on the Milk Creek Trail. After 7.5 miles, it joins the

Pacific Crest Trail. The northeastwardly climbing PCT includes 36

switchbacks before reaching the sub-alpine region. The views of Glacier

Peak, the Vista Glacier as well as down into Milk Creek and the Suiattle

River valleys were worth stopping for. The blue lupine and other wild

flowers further enhanced the beautiful scenery. From this 6,000' level, the

PCT descends to mile 20 and Vista Creek, where the course leaves the PCT,

following the Suiattle River westerly back to the start. The thirteen miles

along the Suiattle are very runable with just subtle elevation changes.

Closer to the finish the creek crossings are actually the tops of small

waterfalls. Last year's record snowmelt and run off made these crossings

more dramatic, though they were still impressive, as one would approach the

edge. -- Ron Nicholl