FALL TRAIL RUNS:

NORTHWEST

Take yourself on a journey around the Northwest, trail by trail, as we discover some of our Red Team's favorite runs.

10-20-2020

LET'S TALK ABOUT TRAILS.

Trail running is more than just running. It’s exploring. It’s exhilarating. It’s escaping. Trails take us places both physically and emotionally, and fall is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy them. The weather is shifting, the leaves and changing, and the trails are calling.

There are great places to explore all across the country. But don’t take it from us—take it from our Altra Red Team athletes who have provided some of their favorite trails by region.

Singletracks and doubletracks, pushing peaks and pitstops, climbing hills and bombing descents, here are some of our favorite trails throughout the Northwest.

PAM REED

A really cool trail in the Tetons is the Phelps Lake Trail. You begin at the Rockefeller center, right inside of the Teton Park off of Moose Wilson Road. The trail is shaped like a lollypop, going up, around and back, and is about 6.5 to 7 miles long. The trail looks up to Death Canyon and you have a decent chance of seeing bears while you’re out. There are many options available on this trail but starting at the center is probably one of the most common. 

Pam’s Instagram is full of amazing trails and wildlife sightings.

GARRICK ARENDS

One of my favorite loops is the Alice Lake, Twin Lake, Edith Lake Loop, which is a 21.3-mile roundtrip located near Stanley, Idaho in the Sawtooth mountains. It shows off some of the amazing rugged features of the Sawtooth range as well as high ridge crossings with spectacular views! 

Garrick is always on the go. Follow his adventures on Instagram.

TRISH BARRY

One of my favorite loops is the Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Loop, a 21.9-miler located in the Teton Mountains. It shows off the ruggedness of the Teton Range and includes high ridge crossings with unparalleled views! It is truly a trail runner’s dream! 

Follow along with Trish’s trail running on her Instagram. 

STEPH RODGERS

This epic trail is only runnable from early June until the snow flies. It is one of my absolute favorite trails because of the gorgeous views all along the route. You’ll climb nearly 1,200 feet of elevation during your 1.6-mile ascent, but you won't be thinking about the steep climb because you will be focused on the extraordinary panoramic views. Along the route, you will find brilliantly colored glacier lilies, wind-blown subalpine firs, and some vociferous marmots. Once you've reached the top of the mountain, you’re greeted with a breathtaking view of Chimney Rock, Hunt Lake, Priest Lake, and the surrounding mountains. It’s spectacular. The run back down to the parking area is a quick one. The most challenging part of the journey is the rather rough drive up to the trailhead, but the drive is well worth it!

This is a very runnable out and back trail that takes you up to the pristine Upper Priest Lake. It’s typically only available from May until mid to late October. Once the snow flies you won't be able to get up to the trailhead (by car). This scenic, wooded trail takes you by many beautiful wildflowers, delicious huckleberries (in the summer months), and all sorts of woodland creatures (I have seen bears, deer, moose, and elk). The views of Upper Priest Lake are definitely worth the 9.8-mile endeavor. You will love it! 

Steph’s Instagram is full of scenic trails and adventures.

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