Willapa Trail Festival
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Willapa Trail Festival, Chehalis WA
The Willapa Trail Festival is a set of trail footraces held in Chehalis, Washington, organized by Oly Trail Runners. Races start and finish at Owl and Olive Cafe along the Willapa Hills State Park Trail, an old rail grade that follows the Chehalis River and connects to Raymond and South Bend.
Distances offered:
- 100 mile
- 50 mile
- 50K
- 25K
- 5K
The trail is flat, wide double track with mostly hard packed gravel surface. The course uses out and back routing from the start location; longer races include additional out and back segments to reach farther turnaround points. Course surface for the 100 mile course is reported as largely improved packed gravel with a small portion of pavement.
Aid stations and support vary by distance. Shorter races will see 2 to 3 stations along the course. The 50 mile course includes an additional aid station on its out and back. The 100 mile course includes multiple aid stations along its extended route and allows pacers from 50K onward. Stations stock water, electrolytes and typical ultra fare. Drop bags and multiple restrooms are available at many locations.
There is an overall finish cutoff of 34 hours for the 100 mile event. There are no event cutoffs for the 25K, 50K, or 50 mile distances though aid stations close at designated times and staff may remove runners who cannot finish before the start and finish area closes on Sunday night.
Oly Trail Runners keeps entry fees modest. A portion of event proceeds supports Willapa Hills Trail maintenance and nearby communities. Parking and some camping are available at the venue and dogs are allowed on leash. A 2026 permit is pending. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
