FKT: Steven Wagoner - Marys Peak (OR) - 2020-11-09

Athletes
Route variation
North Ridge - East Ridge Loop
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
3h 2m 50s
GPS track(s)
Report

I ran the North Ridge Trail to the summit of Chateemanwi.  Place where spirits dwell.  Aka Marys Peak, which is the highest mountain in the Oregon Coast Range and Benton County at 4,097 feet.  I was surprised to find that an fkt had not been set for the North Ridge-East Ridge Loop, so had some fun and added another fkt and county high point to my list. 

I just turned 62 three days ago, so there was no way to even come close to the current blazing fast fkt to the summit of 36 minutes, but thought I might be able to beat the fastest known women's time of 1:17:18.  I reached the summit in 1:17:51, and came up 33 seconds short.  My Suunto Ambit 3 shows an elevation gain of 2,516 feet.  It was a good run, and the trail was surprisingly runnable.  There was a dusting of snow and some ice near the top, but otherwise good conditions. 

I took the East Ridge Trail down, which is also a good trail with some big trees.  The final leg is along FS Road 2005 which is part of the Marys Peak Municipal Watershed, and an entry permit is required.  I spent time visiting with a couple of people on the summit, and took pictures and some Gopro video along the way.  I could probably knock a half an hour off my time if I really went for it.  I may just have to go back and give it another go.  Really enjoyed the day.