The Challenge
How many times can you summit Middle Sister from the Pole Creek trailhead within a 48 hour period?
- Start location: Pole Creek trailhead, 44.18747, -121.69990
- Finish location: Pole Creek trailhead, 44.18747, -121.69990
- Summit: 44.1483,-121.784994
- Route:
- You pick what works best for you. The ascend and descend route(s) do not have to be identical.
- The easiest route is via the North Ridge. This route involves traveling on the Hayden glacier. More info here.
- What counts as one hill rep (round trip)? From the start location, ascend the mountain, tag the summit, and descend back to the start = finish location.
- Types of records:
- Do as many hill reps as possible within 48h.
- Do a certain number of hill reps within 48h faster than anybody else.
- Important:
- A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.
- Wilderness Permits are required for both day use and overnight stays from Memorial Day Weekend until Oct. 31. Free permits are self-issued at the trailhead.
- The Pole Creek trailhead should not be affected by the upcoming new limited access permit system for the Three Sisters Wilderness. More info here.
- Camping is allowed in the area and on the mountain.
The Rules
- This is not a race. You do not need to register or qualify or anything. There are no fees. Anyone can do it anytime of the year.
- The challenge must start at the Pole Creek trailhead and end there as well.
- The clock starts at the Pole Creek trailhead and ends when the individual or entire team reaches it again.
- You must finish all hill reps within 48 hours. Unfinished round trips do not count.
- You can chose your own route(s) up and down the mountain.
- You must tag the summit during each hill rep (= round trip).
- The challenge can be done individually or in teams. If completed in a team, all team members must do all parts of the route and all reps. Relays do not count.
- The clock does not stop if the individual or team sleeps, rests, etc.
- The challenge must be completed in a single push. Sleep, rest, etc. along the route are allowed. No leaving the route and returning unless by using human muscle power only.
- Crews and stashing of gear, food, and water are allowed. All stashes must be retrieved.
- Each and every part of the route must be covered by using human muscle power only. No motorized form of transport is allowed on any part of the route. Skiing and snow-shoeing are allowed. The use of poles, crampons, and ice axes are allowed.
- The challenge can be completed in an unsupported, self-supported, or supported way.
- Announcing your intentions is encouraged, but not mandatory.
- The challenge must be tracked and documented.
- All wilderness regulations as well as Federal, State, and Local laws must be strictly followed.
- Strict leave-no-trace backcountry ethics must be followed.
The Records
The list below may not be accurate and complete. Please submit your reps/times in the form at the end of this page if you think you should be listed here.
| Number of hill reps | Individual or Team | Elapsed time | Date | Notes |
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 6 |
FAQ
- How can I announce an FKT attempt? Contact me and I’ll post here or use your personal Facebook, on Twitter, or in some running-related group/forum/page.
- How can I submit a record? Use the form at the end of this page.
Stay Informed and Connected
Disclaimers
- Records are not verified. The burden of proof is solely on the individual or team. Thus, the more documentation you can provide, the better. See http://fastestknowntime.proboards.com/thread/19/read-first for more info.
- The information provided on this website does not identify possible dangers. When you are attempting one of these challenges, you assume responsibility for your own actions and safety.
- By visiting and reading this page, you agree to assume all known and unknown risks associated with spending your day(s) in the outdoors. You agree to not sue me if your day(s) go(es) sideways.