Willapa Trail Festival

Willapa Trail Festival : Chehalis, WA

The Willapa Trail Festival is a multiday trail running event based at Owl and Olive Cafe near the Willapa Hills State Park Trail and the Chehalis River. The organizer describes the course as very flat and fast, following an old rail grade on a wide double-track surface of mostly hard-packed gravel.

Distances offered:

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

The Start/Finish is at Owl and Olive with out-and-back routes on the Willapa Hills Trail. Runners in the 50 and 100 milers will run additional out-and-back sections farther west. The 100 miler surface is reported as 96 miles of improved packed gravel and 4 miles of pavement.

Aid stations and on-course services vary by distance. The 5k, 25k, and 50k will have 2–3 aid stations. The 50 miler has an additional aid station on its westward out-and-back. The 100 miler route includes seven aid stations. Stations are stocked with water, electrolytes, and common ultra foods such as candy, cookies, chips, fruit, and gels. Drop bags are available at most stations and many restrooms are located along the route.

The overall cutoff for the 100 miler is 34 hours. There are no formal cutoffs for the 25k, 50k, or 50 miler, though aid stations will close at designated times and runners should plan to carry supplies if needed.

OlyTrailRunners, a nonprofit, organizes the event and keeps entry fees low. Entry fees listed are $20 for the 5k, $30 for the 25k, $35 for the 50k, $50 for the 50 miler, and $100 for the 100 miler. A portion of proceeds supports trail maintenance and local communities. The 2026 permit is pending.

Parking and some camping are available at Owl and Olive; additional overnight camping options are nearby. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pacing is permitted from 50k onward with pacers checking in at aid stations. The 100 miler finisher receives a ceramic belt buckle. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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