Sourdough Sufferfest

The body challenge

This approximately 105-mile out-and-back begins at the Sourdough trailhead in Diablo, Washington. Travel from Sourdough Lookout Trail through Pierce Mountain Way, Ross Dam Trail, Big Beaver Trail, Bush Creek Trail, Chilliwack River Trail, and Hannegan Pass Trail to Hannegan Pass Campground. Tag the shed, turn around, and retrace the route.

The challenge includes two summits of Sourdough Mountain: once on the outbound trip and again on the return.

The mind challenge

Read or listen to one or more works by Gary Snyder connected to his time as a North Cascades fire lookout. Then use your trip report to connect the trail experience with the work in a form that feels true to the adventure—writing, photos, video, music, or another creative approach.

Suggested works include RipRap, Cold Mountain Poems, The Back Country, Myths & Texts, and selections from Mountains and Rivers Without End.