Willapa Trail Festival
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Willapa Trail Festival - Chehalis, WA
Willapa Trail Festival is a weekend trail running event in Chehalis, Washington, organized by Oly Trail Runners. The festival includes multiple distances and runs along the Willapa Hills State Park Trail, an old rail grade that follows the Chehalis River.
- 100 mile
- 50 mile
- 50K
- 25K
- 5K
The start and finish area is at Owl and Olive Cafe, located between the Willapa Hills State Park Trail and the upper Chehalis River. The trail is a flat, wide double track with mostly hard packed gravel underfoot. The 50 mile and 100 mile races include additional out-and-back sections west of the start; the 50 miler extends toward Pe Ell and Pluvius Hill, while the 100 miler extends toward Raymond.
Aid stations and race support vary by distance: 2 to 3 aid stations for the 5K, 25K, and 50K; one additional aid station on the 50 mile route; and seven aid stations on the 100 mile route. The 100 mile course surface is reported as 96 miles on improved packed gravel and 4 miles of pavement. Drop bags are available at most stations; pacers are permitted from 50K onward with check in at an aid station. The 100 mile finisher receives a ceramic belt buckle. The overall cutoff for the 100 mile race is 34 hours; other distances have no overall cutoffs though aid stations will close at posted times.
Oly Trail Runners is a nonprofit and keeps entry fees low. A portion of proceeds supports Willapa Hills Trail maintenance and local communities. Some parking and Friday night camping are available at the venue, and dogs are welcome on leash. Registration closes November 3, 2026. Permit for 2026 is pending. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
