Jasper Mountain Trail Fest 2026

Jasper Mountain Trail Fest is a fundraising event that benefits Jasper Mountain Reserve, an environmental 501(c)3 non-profit organization to improve and enhance wildlife habitats for rare and endangered flora and fauna native to the Blue Mountains in the Southeast corner of Washington State. Come and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery with the knowledge that your signup funds will benefit the conservation of the reserve.

For 2025, we are offering four unique race options:

1) Our classic (fifth annual!) 5-person relay race, 100 km total distance
2) Solo Half marathon, 13.1 miles with 2,570 feet of elevation gain
3) Solo Full marathon, 26.2 miles with 5,140 feet of elevation gain
4) Solo 7k Family Run (4.4 miles) with minimal elevation gain

Prices increases are on  April 17, 2025, May 18, 2025, and June 14, 2025. Sign up by May 29th, 2025 to guarantee you receive a race t-shirt and medal! (we have a few extras for late registrants on a first come-first serve basis).Contact info@jaspermountainreserve.org with any questions.

All races take place on the following single track trails (click on each for details):

Red Loop (3.3 miles)
Green Loop (4.4 miles)
Black Loop (5.4 miles)

Reserve Information and Accommodations

The start and finish line is at 934 Payne Hollow Road, Dayton, WA 99328, which can only be found on Google Maps.

Suggested arrival is during daylight the day prior to the race. Suggested departure is the day after the race. There will be an informal welcome reception and short presentation about the race in the Start/Finish area, commencing at 8:00PM on the evening prior to the race.

Parking and campsites, close to the start/finish line, is included in the race fee.

Campsites for racers are within Jasper Mountain Reserve. As this is a nature reserve, loud noises, including car engines, power generators, high volume loudspeakers etc. are strictly forbidden. Dogs must be on leash at all times. Camp-fires are only allowed at one designated area (please familiarize yourself with WA State and Columbia County seasonal camp fire restrictions). Bring your own food, water, and (battery) power sources (Jasper Mountain Reserve is off the grid, meaning there is no water or electricity). Portable sanitary facilities will be provided. As there is no garbage and recycling collection service please collect all trash and take it with you when you depart.

Accommodation options are also available just a short drive from the race! Choose from hotels and Airbnbs in nearby Dayton (11 miles from the event), Waitsburg (16 miles), or Walla Walla (37 miles).

Relay Race Details (Start Time 7:00AM):

Relay teams consist of 5 people sharing one assigned bib with an adjustable belt that can be exchanged between team members. Each racer signs up individually and can choose one of the following options:
1) No Team (the race organizers will assign you to a team)
2) Join an Existing Team
3) Create a New Team

All teams start together with the 1st runner of each team running the red loop at the same time. Once completed, the 1st runner passes the bib to the 2nd team member who will complete the green loop. Once completed, the 2nd team member passes the bib to the 3rd team member who will complete the black loop. Once completed, the 3rd team member passes on the bib to the 4th team member who will run the red loop, followed by the 5th team member who will run the green loop, followed by the 1st team member who will run the black loop and so on, until all 5 team members each have completed all three loops. Race timing will provide results for entire teams as well as individual times (splits) on each separate trail loop.

All three loops combined are exactly 13.1 miles, the distance of a half marathon. The relay race is expected to take 10-15 hours. Due to the rugged terrain which includes steep downhills, headlamps are mandatory for any runners after 8:00PM.

Half Marathon and Full Marathon Details (Start Time 7:00AM)

Calling all Ultra Trail Runners! Our new course is crafted specifically for the adventurous spirit of the ultra trail community. The half marathon is the perfect choice for those eager to test their limits or begin their journey toward ultra distances. For the fearless and bold, the full marathon awaits: 26.2 miles with over 5,000 feet of elevation gain, set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty in the Blue Mountains. This isn't just a race; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape of a pristine nature reserve. Get ready to experience the ultimate trail running adventure, you won't be disappointed! All three trail loops within Jasper Mountain Reserve combined are exactly 13.1 miles, the distance of a half marathon, The full marathon will run the combined trail loops twice.

7k (4.4 miles) Family Run Details (Start Time 7:15AM)

This exciting new option will be on the beautiful Green Trail, 4.3 miles long with minimal elevation gain. It is ideal for runners who prefer a sprint option, or families with kids to run together, and for participants who prefer to walk.