Run, camp, and celebrate fall trails at Suttle Lake
Overview
Suttle Lake Trailfest is more than just a race — it is a fall trail running celebration. Tucked into Oregon’s beautiful South Shore Campground, the weekend combines endurance racing with the magic of crisp autumn air, fiery foliage, and a lakeside atmosphere that’s both relaxing and electric.
Whether you choose the 24-hour grind, the 12-hour push, or the speedy 6-hour test, you will loop a stunning 3.6-mile trail as many times as you can. Runners, family, and friends enjoy free camping, a festive community vibe, great food, and sponsor prizes. Suttle Lake Trailfest is about adventure, endurance, and sharing the trails together.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Registration
Opens
Jan 18, 2025, 12:00 AM
Registration Fee
$85-$150
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
3.6
M
24
HR
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
110ft per loop
Elevation loss:
▼
110ft per loop
Max altitude:
3,438ft
Start time:
Oct 25, 2025
8:00 AM
Cutoff time:
8:00AM the next day
Course Description
The course is a 3.6-mile loop that winds through the pine forests surrounding Suttle Lake. With 110ft of gain per loop, the trail is approachable yet rewarding, keeping you moving without overwhelming climbs. Expect soft dirt trails, serene lake views, and the friendly energy of runners crossing paths on the loop. This is a perfect chance to test your endurance while soaking in Oregon’s crisp autumn beauty.


Logistics
The nearest major airport is Redmond, Oregon, located 45 minutes from the race start. Portland International Airport is approximately 3 hours away by car. Sisters, Camp Sherman, Bend, and Redmond all provide nearby lodging options.
Driving Directions
Parking
Free parking is available at South Shore Campground near the race start/finish area.
Passes Required
Lodging
Camping is free at the start/finish at South Shore Campground. Lodging is available at Suttle Lake Lodge and Left Coast Lodge in Sisters. Hotels in Sisters, Camp Sherman, Bend, and Redmond are also nearby.
Aid Stations
There will be one well-stocked aid station located at the start and finish area. Runners will find food, drinks, and hydration supplies ready every time they complete a loop.
Race Requirements
Runners should come prepared for variable fall weather in the Oregon Cascades, which may range from cold mornings to warmer afternoons. No prior mileage experience is required, but participants should be comfortable with multi-loop endurance running.
Trail Work
Mandatory Gear
This is a cupless race. Runners must bring their own reusable cup or hydration system for aid stations.
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Refunds & Credits
No transfers to other runners. No exceptions.
Cancel more than 30 days before race day → you’ll receive 50% credit toward the same event the following year.
Cancel within 30 days of race day → no credit, no refund, no transfer. Please don’t ask—we keep this policy consistent for everyone.
How to Cancel for Race Credit
You must cancel 30+ days before the event to receive 50% credit.
Log into your Ultrasignup account.
Go to your registration history.
Cancel your entry.
That’s it—your spot will be released, and 50% credit will automatically roll to next year’s event.
Important: We cannot make exceptions, even for medical reasons or injuries.
Pre-Purchased Items
Gear like shirts, hats, pint glasses, or other add-ons must be picked up in person during race weekend check-in. Anything not collected will not be shipped.
Switching Distances
You can move up or down in distance before race day only.
If the distance you want is sold out and has a waitlist, you’ll need to join the waitlist—we can’t move you ahead of others.
Dropping down? No refunds.
Moving up? You’ll need to pay the difference before being added.
To switch, please email the race directors.
Race Cancellation
If we are forced to cancel an event and it cannot reasonably be rescheduled, there will be no refunds, no credits, no rollovers.
Other Notes
Personal checks are not accepted.
Reserved spots: Alpine Running holds a number of entries for sponsors and partners, outside of regular registration.
Pregnancy Deferral
We proudly offer a deferral for runners who are pregnant.
Eligibility: Any registered runner who is pregnant or becomes pregnant after registering.
Steps:
Submit a written Pregnancy Entry Deferral request to the Race Director before race day.
Provide confirmation of pregnancy or proof of birth from a physician, midwife, or other medical professional.
Your entry will be deferred for 1 year.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted to run in this race. Please leave pets at home.
Kids
Children are welcome as spectators but there are no designated youth races or discounts offered.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
The looped course design makes it easy for family, friends, and visitors to cheer runners on throughout the day. Crews may set up near the start/finish area but must respect shared space with other runners and campers. Pacers are not permitted.
Volunteers
Every race has a secret sauce—and it’s not the aid station snacks. It’s the volunteers. Without their energy, smiles, and hard work, none of these events would happen.
Volunteering is a chance to give back to the trail running community, cheer on runners from a different perspective, and maybe even scope out what racing feels like before signing up yourself. Whatever brings you to the volunteer crew, we see you as partners—and we celebrate you like the trail heroes you are.
What You’ll Get as a Volunteer
At Alpine Running races, volunteers receive:
A quality race t-shirt (wear it with pride!)
A post-race meal and beverage—because good food tastes even better after trail magic
Race credit toward a future Alpine Running event
A Few Ground Rules
To keep things fair and sustainable, here’s how volunteer benefits work:
Credits expire within one year of being issued.
Credits don’t apply to volunteers associated with race sponsors.*
Credits and race-day perks are for folks who sign up ahead of time and fill their assigned role.
Credits can only be redeemed online during registration.
Alpine Running reserves the right to adjust credits, restrictions, or benefits if needed.
*If you’re part of a sponsor team, reach out to Alpine Running to learn more about your special perks!
Charity & Beneficiary
Each Alpine Running event supports a local community beneficiary. Proceeds from Suttle Lake Trailfest are donated to organizations that help maintain the natural spaces we run in.
Land Acknowledgement
Suttle Lake Trailfest takes place on the traditional lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. We honor the past, present, and future generations of Indigenous people who have stewarded this land.
About
Alpine Running
Alpine Running is a trail race organization rooted in the spirit of the Cascade Mountains, offering a collection of rugged, scenic, and soul-filling events across Oregon and Washington. Founded in 2017 by longtime mountain runner and nurse Trevor Hostetler, Alpine Running was born from a deep passion for wild places and the transformative power of endurance running. Since then, it has grown into a close-knit community of runners who value adventure, camaraderie, and purposeful connection to the trails.
At its core, Alpine Running embodies a low-key yet high-quality ethos. Events are marked by personal touches, from meticulously flagged courses to thoughtful safety planning and warm, volunteer-powered aid stations. Whether you’re pushing your limits in a mountain ultra or enjoying the views on a shorter course, every Alpine race is designed to challenge and uplift.
From the Elkhorn Crest 50 to other remote alpine races, Alpine Running events are as much about self-discovery as they are about competition. If you're seeking meaningful mountain miles with an authentic trail family, Alpine Running will welcome you with open arms and wild terrain.
