Dark Divide’s Burly Mountain Fire Lookout:

The Ultimate Alpine Fun Run!

This run starts with a fun, fetching, and steep path through verdant forests and charming waterfalls that eventually takes you along a breathtaking (visually and physically) ascent all the way to the historic fire lookout atop Burley Mountain's summit. From this picturesque viewpoint generously peppered in wildflowers, you can take in a dazzling and dramatic 360 degree panorama of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, looking out across the Dark Divide to the south and up into Goat Rocks Wilderness and Mount Rainier National Park to the north. This run comes along with over 4,500 of climbing!

Running on the same day as the 50k race, you will have a leisurely (if you choose) 9 hours to finish the course, making it a great choice for someone looking to get their first taste of racing in the mountains. If you are looking to race your way up Burley Mountain, I can can only guess that it will hurt, but we wish you the best in your endeavors!

15 Mile Fun Run by the Numbers

Dark Divide 15 Mile Fun Run Course Type Breakdown

Here is an interactive map of the 15 Mile Fun Run course on Caltopo:

Key Times & Dates

Saturday, September 6, 2025. (Cispus Learning Center)

  • 4:00 PM: Camping opens for runners

Sunday, September 7, 2025 (Cispus Learning Center)

  • 7:00-8:30 AM Runner check-in and race packet pick-up

  • 8:45 AM: Race course briefing

  • 9:00 AM: The Dark Divide 15 Mile Fun Run begins!

  • Cispus Learning Center Camping Area & Pavilion (Mile 14.8): FINISH LINE CUTOFF - 6:00 PM, Sunday, September 7.

Monday, September 8, 2025 (Cispus Learning Center)

  • 8:00 AM: All runners must be out of their campsites

Aid Stations

  • Cispus Learning Center Camping Area & Pavilion (Mile 0): START.

  • Burley Mountain Fire Lookout (Mile 6.8): NO DROPBAGS ALLOWED AND NO CREW ALLOWED.

  • Cispus Learning Center Camping Area & Pavilion (Mile 14.8): FINISH LINE CUTOFF - 6:00 PM, Sunday, September 7.

    NOTE: THERE IS A SHARP CUTOFF AT THE MILE 17.1 SUNRISE AID STATION. You must be leaving the Burley Mountain Fire Lookout Aid Station by 2:30 PM, Sunday, September 7. You have 5½ hours from the race start to do this. If you have not left the Burley Mountain Fire Lookout Aid Station by 2:30 PM sharp, you will be pulled from the race. There are no exceptions to this.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.