Welcome to The Dark Divide Trail Races:
100 Mile Endurance Run
50K
15 Mile Fun Run
September 3-5, 2027
Registration Opens 9/22 on UltraSignup!
The 2027 Dark Divide 100 Mile Endurance Run is a qualifier for both Hardrock 100 Endurance Run and Western States Endurance Run!
Our hearts and spirits also can’t help but think that our dear friend and five time Hardock finisher Mike “Bushwhacker” Burke is smiling down upon us. The Dark Divide Trail Races would not at all be what they are without him.
We are also excited to see you in September for the West’s Wildest 100!
The Dark Divide Trail Races take place upon lands of the Cowlitz (Mishalpam, Táytnapam, Sλpúlmx), Xwáłxwaypam (Klikitat), and Yakama people.
Race Details
Click a button below to learn about each Dark Divide race:
The Dark Divide 100 Mile Endurance Run will take place starting Friday, September 3 with a 48-hour cutoff. Sunday, September 5 will see the Dark Divide 50k and 15 Mile Fun Run.
CISPUS LEARNING CENTER RACE HQ
The main campus at Cispus Learning Center will serve again as the pre-race, start/finish & race HQ! This is great news for us and you! We will have both tent & car camping, showers, and much more parking. We also have bunkhouses available with many beds. Beds at Cispus Learning Center may be reserved on Ultrasignup for $43 when you register. Of course, the usual surrounding camping options will also be available for those wanting a more secluded experience. Please see ‘Staying at Cispus Learning Center’ below.
100 MILER: ONE-TIME, ONE-OF-A-KIND CASH PRIZES!
The Dark Divide 100 Mile Endurance Run's unique combination of steep terrain, very technical footing, and wild remoteness make this one of the most difficult (and beautiful!) courses you could ever run!
The Dark Divide 100 Mile Endurance Run's unique combination of steep terrain, very technical footing, and wild remoteness make this one of the most difficult (and beautiful!) courses you will ever run.
$2,000 for the first female sub-24 hour finish at the Dark Divide 100 Mile Endurance Run
$2,000 for the first male sub-20 hour finish at the Dark Divide 100 Mile Endurance Run
$2,000 for the first non-binary sub-20 hour finish at the Dark Divide 100 Mile Endurance Run
$10,000 for the first finisher of 5 consecutive Dark Divide 100 Mile Endurance Runs
These new prizes will certainly create some amazing stories of human endurance and passion as they unfold over the upcoming years of the Dark Divide 100 Mile Endurance Run. Let the insanity and the inspiration begin! See the 100 Miler page for details and rules.
2027 registration is now open on Ultrasignup!
Registration Fees
*Please note that taxes & Ultrasignup fees may apply at registration checkout.
These races take place in one of the most wild and beautiful places you will ever run... the vast, rugged, and remote 70,000+ acre Dark Divide Roadless Area. Expect to run one of the hardest races you will ever run as you travel on steep technical trails through the heart of the Washington Cascades. Also expect to run in one of the most stunningly beautiful places you will ever get to explore. This race is like no other: an exhilarating, exhausting, and life-changing journey; the ultimate Washington Cascades adventure running experience.
The Dark Divide Trail Races will take you to seldom-traveled places that are unspeakably beautiful, soul-stirringly remote, and uncommonly rugged, in the heart of the Central Washington Cascades. Located in the center of Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, the Dark Divide is a land of stunning, serrated sub-alpine ridges painted by wildflowers and punctuated by peaks; deep, solitary valleys filled with centuries-old trees; wild streams tumbling unfettered over waterfalls into sparkling pools; viewscapes that feel like you can reach out and touch the surrounding glaciated volcanoes with your fingers… and a treasure of glimpses into the world as it once was.
We are grateful to be hosting the start/finish and race headquarters at Cispus Learning Center near Randle, WA. These full facilities have bunkhouses, camping, showers, and plenty of parking at Cispus Learning Center. There is also plentiful nearby car, tent, and RV camping.
The Dark Divide Trail Races take place upon lands of people who have called this home for thousands of years prior to colonization. Tribes with historic ties to the area include the Cowlitz (Mishalpam, Táytnapam, Sλpúlmx), Xwáłxwaypam (Klikitat), and Yakama people. Wonderland Running fully supports and respects the restoration of rights of Indigenous peoples from whom these lands were taken.
Much love and light, happy trails, and we look forward to seeing you September 2026 for these races that will stay in your hearts and spirits forever!
Our Partners
We could not do what we do without our partners. We are grateful beyond measure for their support. Please click on the partner links above to find out more about who they are and what they offer!
Silver Star Search & Rescue
Wonderland Running could not put on an event as wild and rugged as the Dark Divide Trail Races without the tireless dedicated volunteers at Silver Star Search & Rescue. They have provided our SAR, medical, and communications services for the Dark Divide Trail Races since the very beginning. More importantly, they have been providing search & rescue services for Clark, Skamania, and Cowlitz Counties for over 60 years!
Silver Star Search & Rescue is a non-profit organization based out of Washougal, Washington. Their all-volunteer members are on call 24 hours a day. We strongly encourage you to donate to their dedicated all-volunteer staff for their selfless, critical, live-saving mission. Please click below to donate:
Thank you so much for supporting Silver Star Search & Rescue!
Directions
Here are the directions from Portland to the start/finish area at Cispus Learning Center:
Head north on I-5 to US-12 E (approximately 50 miles)- Take Exit 68 for US-12 E toward Morton/Yakima
Turn right onto US-12 E from the off-ramp. and head approximately 48 miles to Randle, WA
Once in Randle, turn right on to WA-131 S, and head south
After about one mile, go left at the fork on to Cispus Road
Continue on Cispus Road for just over 8 miles
At this point, Cispus Road will be a right turn at a t-junction. Do not continue straight on Forest Service Road 23
Continue on Cispus Road past Forest Service Road 29, over the bridge
After the bridge, turn right to stay on Cispus Road. Do not continue straight on Forest Service Road 28
Stay on Cispus Road approximately 1 mile to the Cispus Learning Center sign, which will be on your RIGHT. A sharp right will take you through the gate into the main Cispus Learning Center campus. The Tower Rock Pavilion is at the back end of the large field on your left.
Here are the directions from Seattle to the start/finish area at Cispus Learning Center:
Head south on I-5 (approximately 30 miles)- Take Exit 127 for WA-512 E toward Puyallup/S. Tacoma Way
Use the left 3 lanes to turn left onto WA-512 E (signs for Puyallup)
In approximately 1 mile, take the Steele Street exit and turn left onto Steele Street
Continue on to 116th Street S and then onto Spanaway Loop Road S for approximately 4 miles
Spanaway Loop Rd S turns left and becomes WA-704 E
In approximately 1.5 miles, turn right onto WA-7 S
Follow WA-7 S to US-12 E in Morton (approximately 50 miles)
From the junction in Morton, turn left onto US-12 E
Once in Randle, WA, turn right on to WA-131 S, and head south
After about one mile, go left at the fork on to Cispus Road
Continue on Cispus Road for just over 8 miles.
At this point, Cispus Road will be a right turn at a t-junction. Do not continue straight on Forest Service Road 23
After the bridge, turn right to stay on Cispus Road. Do not continue straight on Forest Service Road 28
Stay on Cispus Road approximately 1 mile to the Cispus Learning Center sign, which will be on your RIGHT. A sharp right will take you through the gate into the main Cispus Learning Center campus. The Tower Rock Pavilion is at the back end of the large field on your left.
Estimated drive times: Portland, OR - 2 hours, 15 minutes- Seattle, WA - 2½ hours.
Beneficiaries
Wonderland Running recognizes the honor and privilege of being able to use these beautiful lands for the Dark Divide 100 Miler. 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:
Silver Star Search & Rescue Wonderland Running could not put on an event as wild and rugged as the Dark Divide Trail Races without these tireless & dedicated volunteers. They have provided our SAR, medical, and communications services for the Dark Divide Trail Races since the very beginning. More importantly, they have been providing search & rescue services for Clark, Skamania, and Cowlitz Counties for over 60 years!
All Play/Elementary Facilitation Program Cispus Learning Center has generously allowed use of their facilities for the start/finish area of the race, as well as hosting runner camping and Wonderland logistical operations. We are donating to them on behalf of Cispus Learning Center, we will be donating to the All Play/Elementary Facilitation Program, which is a K-4 program that develops inclusivity and outdoor play in childhood learning and play programs.
Please consider supporting these organizations.
Where To Stay
Staying at Cispus Learning Center:
Dorm Rooms:
Dorm space is $43 per bed per night. Crew/pacers/family may reserve beds as well, including at a later date. There are two large dorm halls with beds inside, but they are NOT private rooms. They are separated into women’s and men’s dorm halls, each with their own showers & restrooms. They are directly across from Tower Rock Pavilion (start/finish).
Tent & Car Camping:
There is a large designated tent camping area on the main Cispus Learning Center campus that is free & first come-first serve. Free first come-first serve car camping is allowed in the main parking area of the main Cispus Learning Center campus. There are plenty of restrooms nearby. People camping at the main Cispus Learning Center campus may use the dorm showers.
RV Hook-Up Spots:
RV hook-ups are $50.00 per night for full hook up. There are quite a few spots available.
Mobile Homes:
There are a few mobile homes available across the street at Woodruff Pavilion. They have bedding, towels, and pretty much everything you need for household items except food.
For mobile home & RV spot reservations, please contact Sue Sharples at Cispus Learning Center directly:
Sue Sharples (Cispus Learning Center)
Phone 360-497-7131 extension 203
Email sharples@cispus.org
Staying in the Surrounding National Forest:
Here are some nearby campgrounds:
Tower Rock Campground (USFS):
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/recreation/campground-tower-rock
1.5 miles from Cispus Learning Center (start/finish).
North Fork Campground (USFS):
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/recreation/campground-north-fork-and-north-fork-group
4.8 miles from Cispus Learning Center (start/finish).
Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park (Private):
2.2 miles from Cispus Learning Center (start/finish).
There is ample free dispersed camping throughout the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest if you want a more solitary experience.
Staying in Nearby Communities:
There are numerous hotels, motels, and other lodging options in Randle (11 miles from Cispus Learning Center), Randle (27 miles from Cispus Learning Center) and Morton Randle (29 miles from Cispus Learning Center).
U.S. Forest Service Notice
This event is granted use by a Special Use Permit through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 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.