The Eagle Cap Extreme Dog Sled Race is a challenging event where mushers and dogs take on one of several distances ranging from the 20-mile Junior race to the 200-mile Iditarod qualifier race. Teams can gain and lose around 26,000 feet over the course of the race and can be on the course for up to 40-45 hours going through extreme terrain between the Hells Canyon and Eagle Cap wilderness areas in northeast Oregon. The only Iditarod qualifier in the western United States, the event attracts up to 400 spectators and offers some great opportunities to meet the mushers and dogs before the race start on Thursday, January 24. There are also several opportunities to watch racers along the course in some stunning scenery. The event takes place around the communities of Joseph and Enterprise, Oregon, from January 23-27. Other nearby winter activities include backcountry skiing, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, and skiing and snowboarding at Fergi Ski Hill. Eaglecapextreme.com // (Wil Wheaton)
