On Thu, Dec 30, 2021, I plan to start for a 1st self-supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt of the 123mi Columbia Plateau Trail (CPT). The trail is supposedly a little-known treasure in eastern Washington State. This will be my own version of running across the years. Not in never-ending, mind-numbing circles, but in a pretty straight line.
[pullquote]This will be my last desperate attempt to finish 2021 with a bang.[/pullquote]
Matt Sheppard is the current supported FKT holder. He finished the route in 1d 16h 48m 1s in February 2021 in the middle of a winter storm. With an ongoing arctic blast, it looks like I may have quite similar conditions for my attempt. Read an article about his FKT at https://runningmagazine.ca/trail-running/albertas-matt-shepard-conquers-a-chilly-fkt-in-washington-state.
Matt started at the southern terminus. I will start at the Fish Lake trailhead, the northern terminus of the trail, and head southwards instead. I will have three water and resupply drops for the long slog. If the water freezes, I’ll be toast.
Self-supported 123mi Columbia Plateau Trail (CPT) FKT attempt. Map source: WA State park brochure (pdf).
It is not looking great: arctic blast in progress…
The route
The 123mi Columbia Plateau (State Park) Trail (CPT) is part of Washington State Parks’ commitment to long-distance recreation trails and “state’s hidden riches.” The northern terminus is located at the Fish Lake trailhead, just outside of Cheney, WA. The southern terminus is located at the Ice Harbor Dam trailhead.
About 23mi at the northern end of the trail are improved, the remaining 100mi are not.
“The trail’s nearly 100-mile midsection remains undeveloped and goes for long stretches without resources such as food supplies, potable water and first aid. It is only recommended for expert long-distance hikers who undertake careful planning.” Source.
Overview map of the 123mi Columbia Plateau Trail (CPT). Source: WA State park brochure (pdf).
The start at Fish Lake.
There will be tunnels.
Somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
Another somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
Dot watching
Tracking will be available in the embedded map below or at https://maps.findmespot.com/s/GR9W. The planned start is in the early morning hours of Thu, Dec 30, 2021. I will start at the Fish Lake trailhead, the northern terminus of the trail, and head southwards.