Willapa Trail Festival

Willapa Trail Festival

The Willapa Trail Festival is a multi-distance trail running event in Chehalis, Washington. Races start and finish at Owl and Olive Cafe, located between the Willapa Hills State Park Trail and the upper Chehalis River.

Distances offered include:

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

The course follows the Willapa Hills Trail, an old rail grade that runs along the Chehalis River. The route is flat and wide, mostly hard packed gravel, and laid out as out-and-back segments from the start area. For longer distances runners follow additional out-and-back sections farther west along the trail. The 100 mile course surface is described as 96 miles packed gravel and 4 miles pavement.

Aid stations are provided: 2 to 3 stations for shorter distances, one additional station on the 50 mile extension, and seven stations on the 100 mile route. Stations offer water, electrolytes, and common ultra foods. A 34 hour overall cutoff applies to the 100 mile event; there are no overall cutoffs for the 25k, 50k, or 50 miler though aid stations will close at set times.

Additional details: entry fees are set by distance with a portion of proceeds supporting trail maintenance, pacers are permitted from 50K onward, drop bags are available, restrooms are present along the course, camping and parking options exist at the start area, and dogs are allowed on leash. 2026 permit pending and trail construction on the west end may change the 100 mile route to a double of the 50 mile course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.