Dark Divide 300
An inaugural 300-mile mixed-terrain unsupported cycling route from Olympia to Portland across remote Cascadian backcountry.
The inaugural Dark Divide 300 grand depart will take place just outside of downtown Olympia, Washington. The grand depart will be open to racers and cyclo-tourists alike.
The route begins in Olympia, Washington, on the territory of the Steh-Chass band of the Squaxin Island Tribe overlooking the southern tip of the Salish Sea, and heads southeast into the Cascadian hinterlands via the Elbe Hills State Forest. It then leads riders deep into the backcountry through a combination of unmaintained and forgotten forest roads and seldom-traveled scenic byways until reaching the Dark Divide Roadless Area, one of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes on the continent.
After traversing Juniper Ridge, riders head southwest again toward the Columbia River through the Monte Cristo Range and eventually the Yacolt Burn area before finishing in Portland, Oregon. Resupply is limited, cell phones are useless, and the terrain can be steep, rutted, and utterly unforgiving while simultaneously surrounding riders with profound and indescribable natural beauty and wonder.