NorKa's weekend long crown jewel is Festival 542. This September Northwest classic includes the pristine Mount Baker Hill Climb RIDE/RUN and Cross Race. Register today!

Check out the new program with info on each event, a full schedule of events and a show of our sponsors. 

Register on ACTIVE. or register on this website...follow the registration links. 

Download Festival 542 Program

Director's Note: 9/6/11

Please Register now.  Day-of will be available (this year only!). 

So there are some changes in store...and the race will go on. 

Cross 542
Due to overall lower numbers (the cause/effect of a closed Artist Point) we are canceling the Cross Race at Silver Lake.  The Cross course there is amazing and we were excited to pull it together but we simply can not afford to build out that venue at this time. Sorry.  Refunds/Credits will be issued for the Cross.   

RUN 542
The run will go on as scheduled.  Starting at the White Salmon Day Lodge at 1pm for the Summit and 2pm for the Competitive.   The course is altered due to snow and will diverge at Aid 1 and bear left onto the Pan Dome Trail and climb to the top of Chair 1 (rather than make the Bagley Lake loop).  Runners will come back down to the Lake Ann Trail Head and bear Right and go DOWN the Wild Goose Trail back towards the Heather Meadows Visitors Center.  Runners pass through the parking area and head along the standard course back towards the Ski Area where they then do the Bagley Lake Loop and back up the granite steps and finish at the Heather Meadows Visitors Center.  This course is about 1/4 mile shorter with slightly less vertical gain but will be just as, if not more, demanding on the body.  $271 for winning m/w with a 10 deep prize purse and age groups.  There will be a $100 100m sprint for the Competitives at the gun and a $100 KOM/QOM at the top of Chairs 3/4.

RIDE 542
The Ride will start at the standard MP 33 just west of Glacier.  6:30 DUMB riders, 7:30 Summit, 8:00 Recreational, 8:30 Rec Fast, 9:00 Competitive Tandems, 9:30 Competitive. All riders will ride up to the Heather Meadows Visitors Center, 3km from the Artist Point.  The gate is closed at this point and this is where the official finish line is.  Competitive riders will compete for a cash purse $542 for winning m/w and a $250 KOM at the top of Powerhouse Hill, 8 miles in.  Music and awards in Glacier at 2pm. 

542 POKER RIDE
New this year is the 542 Poker Ride to benefit Womencare Shelter of Whatcom County.  On your way back down the hill stop by all 5 stations and collect a card and the best hand wins at the bottom. Each station should also be sporting music of some sort to keep you entertained.  $10 suggested donation.  $2 suggested donation for each additional draw. 

REGISTRATION: NUMBER PICK-UP
Locals number pick-up and last minute registration will be Thursday from 5-7pm at Klicks Running and Walking (formerly RunningShoes.com) on State Street near the Harley Shop.  We'll divvy out any product that's come in and give you your numbers.  

Number pick-up will also be on Saturday in Glacier and on Sunday morning at registration.

Please contact me directly with any concerns, past issues or comments. NorKa Recreation is actively developing relationships with businesses, individuals, investors, other event producers to help continue the mission of creating world class recreational opportunities in and for the Great Northwest.

Now the impact of not opening Artist Point for the summer is a bummer for all of us...but the real bummer is for the businesses along 542. They rely on Artist Point to drive traffic pass their doors. PLEASE head east and support these many businesses that are going to have a rough summer. They will be happy to welcome all riders enjoying the open, and a bit quieter, roads up the hill.

Sincerely,

Charlie Heggem

Charlie@NorKa.us