Overview
The Coyote Wall 55K Trail Race is a full-day adventure in the iconic Columbia River Gorge. This race is a true celebration of the Cascade rainshadow ecosystem, offering runners sweeping views, rugged terrain, and an unforgettable journey through Douglas fir forests, oak savanna, and golden grasslands. Mount Hood looms majestically above much of the course, adding drama and beauty to every mile.
This is not just a race; it is an outdoor experience designed for trail lovers who want to challenge themselves on technical climbs, flowy descents, and high ridges while soaking in the grandeur of the Gorge. With well-stocked aid stations, a fun and supportive volunteer crew, and spectacular vistas at every turn, the 55K at Coyote Wall is the ultimate winter trail running adventure.
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Registration
Opens
Sep 1, 2024, 12:00 AM
Closes
Feb 6, 2025, 11:59 PM
Registration Fee
$95

UTMB Index Qualifier
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
55
K
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
8100 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
8100 ft
Max altitude:
2200 ft
Start time:
Feb 9, 2025
8:00 AM
Cutoff time:
5:30 PM
Course Description
The Coyote Wall 55K course is a single-loop ultramarathon covering 33.4 miles with 8,100ft of climb. Runners start at the Old Highway 8 Trail and immediately experience a paved section to spread out by pace. The trail then launches into Hidden Canyon Trail for a steep climb of nearly 850ft over 1 mile. Descents follow on Loose Lucy Trail with switchbacks through lava flows and oak savanna.
From Catherine Creek Aid Station #1, runners tackle the technical Tracy Hill Loop, a 3.1-mile climb gaining over 1,000ft through rugged terrain and open grasslands with panoramic Gorge views. The course continues past Courtney Road Aid Station #1 and through Kreps Ranch private lands before joining the Millennium Trail for a spectacular west loop along steep bluffs above the Columbia River. Jewett Creek Aid Station offers the only crew-accessible stop for the race.
The climb to Burdoin Mountain’s summit (2,200ft) rewards runners with unmatched views of Mount Hood, White Salmon, Hood River, and the Columbia River Gorge. From there, the course returns along the Millennium Trail to Courtney Road Aid Station #2 with a strict 4:30PM cutoff. The final 4.5 miles climb to the top of Coyote Wall and descend 1,800ft along technical trails to the finish at Old Highway 8 Trail, a memorable and challenging conclusion to the ultramarathon.
Logistics
Portland International Airport is the closest major airport, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from the race start. Seattle is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes away. Tri-Cities, Washington is 2 hours 30 minutes away. Eugene, Oregon is 2 hours 45 minutes away.
Driving Directions
Parking
Most parking will be along signed gravel and dirt areas on WA-14. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited.
Lodging
Hood River, Oregon has the closest lodging options, including hotels, inns, and vacation rentals. White Salmon, Washington also offers small inns and rental homes.
Aid Stations
Runners will have access to multiple aid stations offering water, electrolyte drinks, and snacks. The aid stations are located at the following points:
3.9M → Catherine Creek Aid Station #1 → Drop Bag ✅
8.4M → Catherine Creek Aid Station #2 → Drop Bag Not Available
14.9M → Courtney Road Aid Station #1 → Drop Bag Not Available
21M → Jewett Creek Aid Station → Crew Allowed, Drop Bag Not Available
28.8M → Courtney Road Aid Station #2 → Drop Bag Not Available
Race Requirements
These courses are steep, technical, and not suitable for beginners. Prior trail running experience is strongly encouraged. Runners should be prepared for variable winter conditions, including cold, wind, and rain.
Trail Work
Qualifying Races
No qualifying races are required, but prior trail race experience is highly recommended due to the technical difficulty.
Mandatory Gear
Runners are strongly encouraged to carry gear for winter trail running safety, including warm layers and a light.
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Race fees are non-refundable. Deferral or transfer policies follow standard Wonderland Running guidelines, which are posted on the registration page. Changes must be requested in advance and are not guaranteed after cutoff dates.
Please refer to Wonderland Running's website for cancelation policies.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted on the course or at the race start/finish areas.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Crew and visitors are welcome at the start and finish, as well as designated aid stations. Visitors should respect the land, volunteers, and race operations. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.
Volunteers
Volunteers are encouraged to help with aid stations, registration, and festival logistics. Interested parties can sign up at the race website.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Aid station support
Check-in assistance
Course marshaling
Setup and cleanup
Please reach out to wonderland.running.pnw@gmail.com for more information.
Charity & Beneficiary
A portion of race proceeds support Columbia High School in White Salmon, Washington, and Friends of the Columbia Gorge, the only nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Columbia River Gorge.
Land Acknowledgement
The Coyote Wall Trail Races take place on the ancestral lands of the Klickitat and Yakama peoples, who have lived in this region for over 10,000 years. In their Sahaptin language, the Columbia River is called Nch’i-Wána, meaning “Great River.” Wonderland Running honors and recognizes the original stewards of these lands and offers deep gratitude for the opportunity to run here.
About
Wonderland Running
Wonderland Running is a quirky, community-first trail race organization based in the Pacific Northwest, bringing creativity, inclusivity, and adventure to every event. Officially founded in 2019, but with roots in DIY group runs long before that, Wonderland Running was born out of founder Sean Harrasser’s deep love for wild places and his solo, unsupported circumnavigation of the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier. Since then, the organization has evolved into a passionate crew of runners, mischief-makers, and outdoor enthusiasts who are dedicated to crafting memorable race experiences in truly magical settings.
The Wonderland Running team is made up of ultrarunners, artists, race directors, educators, tech wizards, and outdoor lovers who embrace the spirit of trail running in all its unpredictable, joyful, and humbling glory. With job titles like Executive Bad Hill Idea Conspirator and Master Hill Technologist, their ethos is as much about fun and self-expression as it is about fitness and finish lines.
Based in Oregon, with team members spread across Redmond, Bend, Portland, and Hillsboro, Wonderland Running is at the heart of the PNW trail scene. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or showing up to your first trail race, you’ll find a warm welcome, a clever hill pun, and an unforgettable experience waiting at the start line.
For those looking to connect with trail running beyond the stopwatch, Wonderland Running offers something rare: a race company that balances soulful exploration, creative expression, and genuine community.