Course Details
Click a button below to view the course description, course map, and gpx file:
Welcome to the Coyote Wall 55K & 25K Trail Races
Wonderland Running is very excited to announce the fourth running of the Coyote Wall 55K and 25K Trail Races! These stunningly beautiful and challenging trail races traverse what might well be the most beautiful, sweeping, and soul-stirring area of the iconic Columbia River Gorge!
The 55K will take place Saturday, October 28, 2023 and the 25K will take place on Sunday, October 29, 2023. The 55K has 8,200’ feet of climb, while the 25K features 3,900’ of climb, all on breathtaking trails with sweeping vistas. The races are grand and thoughtfully crafted tours of this unique Cascade rainshadow ecosystem, with minimal amounts of repeated trails. Mount Hood’s imposing volcanic pyramid looms large over much of the course, while other parts of the course flow between Douglas fir forest, oak savanna, and grasslands with seemingly endless viewscapes of the Columbia River Gorge.
This is a rugged, sometimes technical, and fairly steep course that will challenge even the most seasoned trail runners. Due to steep climbs and technical terrain, these are not considered beginner’s courses, and runners are therefore strongly encouraged to have prior trail running experience. However, with a 9½ hour cutoff for the 55K and a 5½ hours for the 25K, adequately prepared trail runners of all speeds will be able to finish.
The 2023 races have the some of the most dedicated, fun, and supportive volunteers anywhere, and our well-stocked aid stations proudly feature Spring Energy! will feature an epically delicious assortment of pizzas from Solstice Pizza in Hood River (including gluten-free & vegan options), Reed's ginger ale and custom-made finisher's awards crafted by a local artist! This, like all Wonderland Running events, will still be rich with plenty of old-school, fat-ass style vibe and a strong sense of community. We very much look forward to having you out here!
Mark your calendars for what promises to be a magical and memorable trail running weekend in our beloved Columbia River Gorge! I hope to see you out there for these Autumnal adventures!
These races take place upon the ancestral lands of the Klickitat and Yakama peoples, who have lived here for over 10,000 years. They spoke Sahaptin (Ichishkiin Sɨ́nwit). In Sahaptin, the Columbia River is known as Nch'i-Wana which means "Great River.”
Happy trails!
Volunteer Info
Like all trail races, the Coyote Wall Trail Races would not be possible without the kindness and help from volunteers. We are fortunate enough to have a good volunteer community, and we have a great leadership team lined up to organize our aid stations. If you want to be a part of the fun on race weekend and help out runners, this race, and our sport, then please email us for information. Thank you!
Cancellation Policy
There are absolutely no refunds or bib/registration transfers to other runners. If you must cancel your registration, and you do so more than 30 days prior to the race, you can elect to get a 100% credit toward next year’s Coyote Wall Trail Races (2024). Please note: all cancellations must be done must through your Ultrasignup account in order to receive the 100% race credit toward the 2023 Coyote Wall Trail Races. Any cancellations that happen 30 days or less from the date of the race for which you are registered will receive no credit, no refund, and no transfer opportunity. T hank you for your understanding.
COVID Policy for the 2023 Coyote Wall 55K & 25K Trail Races
With vaccines becoming widely available, we have no COVID-19 restrictions in place. However, in the event that local, state, or federal requirements regarding COVID-19 change between the time you register for the 2023 Coyote Wall Trail Races and the dates the 2023 Coyote Wall Trail Races take place, this may change . If required to do so, the 2023 Coyote Wall Trail Races will require one of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
- Wear a mask and practice social distancing at the start, finish, nd aid stations, In the event that local, state, or federal COVID-19 restrictions or requirements are in place, any runner that does meet the above COVID-19 requirements will not be allowed to check in or run the Coyote Wall Trail Races in 2023. T hank you for your understanding. Take care and be well.
~ Sean Harrasser (Wonderland Running)
Event Dates and Fees
| Event | 55K | 25K |
|---|---|---|
| Event Date | 10/28/2023 | 10/29/2023 |
| Fee Until 7/30/2023 | $138.50 | $100.75 |
| Fee After 7/30/2023 | $158.50 | $120.75 |
Partners & Sponsors
Beneficiaries
Wonderland Running recognizes the honor and privilege of being able to use these beautiful lands for the Coyote Wall Trail Races. As such, it is important that we give something back to the community and to this special place. We will be donating a portion of the race proceeds to the following organizations:
Columbia High School Athletics Program
Columbia High School in White Salmon, is the local high school of the community where the Coyote Wall Trail Races are being held. We are donating to them on behalf of Kreps Ranch, who has generously allowed use of their land for the 55K race.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Friends of the Columbia Gorge are the only non-profit organization dedicated entirely to ensuring that the beautiful and wild Columbia Gorge remains a place apart, an unspoiled treasure for generations to come.
Please consider supporting these organizations.
U.S. Forest Service Notice
This event is granted by a Special Use Permit through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, U.S. Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Driving Directions
Getting to the Start/Finish Line
Most runners will be coming from or through Portland. Here are the directions from Portland to the start/finish line:
Head east on I-84 to Hood River (approximately 50 miles)
In Hood River, take exit 64 (Mt Hood Hwy) toward OR-35/White Salmon/Govt. Camp
Turn left onto Button Bridge Rd/Mt Hood Hwy
Continue straight to cross the Hood River Bridge (Note: there is a $2 toll to cross the bridge from both directions)
Turn right onto WA-14 E
Turn left on Courtney Rd
Take the first right onto Old Hwy 8
Continue one-tenth of a mile to the Coyote Wall Trailhead
If you are coming from the east, take I-84 west to Hood River or WA-14 W west to Courtney Road. Then use the directions above to get to the Coyote Wall Trailhead.
Estimated drive times:
Portland, OR - 1 hour, 15 minutes
Seattle, WA - 3½ hours
Tri-Cities, WA - 2½ hours
Eugene, OR - 2 hours, 45 minutes