Willapa Trail Festival

Willapa Trail Festival, Chehalis WA

The Willapa Trail Festival is a multi-distance trail running event held in Chehalis, Washington, with start and finish at Owl and Olive Cafe. Distances offered include:

• 100 Miler
• 50 Miler
• 50K
• 25K
• 5K

The course follows the Willapa Hills State Park Trail, an old rail grade along the Chehalis River. The trail is flat and wide double track with a surface that is mostly hard packed gravel. The planned 100 mile course includes roughly 96 miles on improved packed gravel and 4 miles of pavement. Many sections are easy to follow, and the layout is primarily out and back from the start area.

Aid stations are placed along the routes. The 5K, 25K, and 50K will see 2 to 3 aid stations. The 50 Miler has one additional aid station on its extended out and back. The 100 Miler route lists seven aid stations and offers drop bag access at most stations. Aid stations will carry water, electrolytes, and a typical selection of snacks and gels.

Oly Trail Runners organizes the event as a nonprofit focused on trail running and trail preservation. Entry fees are listed by distance and kept low. A portion of profits will be used to maintain the Willapa Hills Trail and support local communities. Trail surface improvements planned for the west end may alter the 100 mile route, potentially making it a double of the 50 mile course on improved surfaces. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.