White River
25K50K50M
Rainshadow Running
Jul 25, 2026
Washington<p>↳ This race is located in Eastern Washington's desert. Expect heat and having to carry your own water.</p>
Conquer the canyon, chase the skyline
Overview
The Yakima Skyline is one of Rainshadow Running’s toughest and most scenic spring races. This iconic trail run traverses the dramatic Yakima River Canyon in Washington’s high desert. With nearly 4,700 feet of elevation gain, relentless climbs, quad-burning descents, and rugged technical trails, this is no ordinary 25K.
Expect sweeping views of the Yakima River, rolling ridgelines lined with wildflowers, and distant glimpses of Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) and Pahto (Mt. Adams); if you can look up between climbs. The course is exposed, often hot and dry, and snakes share the trail, adding an element of true wild. Finishers are rewarded with Rainshadow’s signature finish-line party, plus free on-site primitive camping.
This is more than a race, it’s an adventure.
UTMB Index: trueTrail Sisters ApprovedDog FriendlyCuplessVegan Friendly
0 participant limit
Course
Elevation Gain4,700 ft, 9,200 ft
Elevation Loss4,700 ft, 9,200 ft
Max Altitude1,200 ft
Cutoff Time12HR
The route launches at 1,300 ft beside the Yakima River, crosses the suspension bridge, and climbs more than 2,100 ft in two relentless miles to the Skyline Rim Jeep road. Runners dance along rocky ridges carpeted with balsamroot, plunge 1,400 ft to Roza Creek, then grind skyward again for sweeping ridge-running toward the halfway Buffalo Aid Station. Expect exposed single-track, shifting basalt scree, spring wildflowers, and the ever-present canyon wind. Return on the same trail; climb, crest, and ride “the elevator shaft” back to the river for a hero’s welcome.
Key Highlights
Out-and-back route along the Yakima Skyline Rim Trail
Total elevation gain: 4,700 ft, with steep sustained climbs and sharp descents
Mix of narrow, rocky singletrack and rugged jeep roads
No shade; high desert terrain with sun exposure and minimal water sources
Remote wilderness with rattlesnake sightings possible; hot, dry, and windy conditions are common
Views of Yakima River Canyon, Cascade Range, Tahoma (Mt. Rainier), and Pahto (Mt. Adams)
Loading course map…
Download GPX FileCutoff Details
Cutoff | Time |
|---|---|
Cutoff 1 | 11:00 AM |
Cutoff 2 | 1:45PM |
Cutoff 3 | 5:00 PM |
Aid Stations
Mile | Aid Station | Cutoff | Drop Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
8.0 | Roza | 11:00 AM | — |
15.5 | Buffalo | 1:45 PM | ✅ |
23.0 | Roza | 5:00 PM | — |
28.5 | Minimal Aid Station | — | — |
Note: Volunteers record bibs at every stop to keep you accounted for.
What's Included
Standard spread of water, Gnarly electrolytes, soda, fruit, PB&J, Oreos, candy, chips. Vegan-friendly. 🌱 This is a cupless race so bring your own flask/cup. First-aid & period products available. Drop bags allowed at Buffalo station.
Logistics
Schedule
6:00AM → Camp coffee and sunrise over the canyon
7:00AM → Bib pickup opens at start/finish
7:45AM → Pre-race briefing
8:00AM → 50K start
11:00AM → Roza Aid Station cutoff
1:45PM → Buffalo Aid Station cutoff
4:00PM → First finishers roll in; music and tacos begin
5:00PM → Roza Aid Station final cutoff on return
8:00PM → Course closes and awards celebration
Bib Pickup
Race-morning pickup runs 7:00AM to 7:45AM at the start/finish area. Show mandatory water capacity to collect your bib.
Drop Bags
Drop bags accepted race-morning until 7:30AM. Bags travel to Buffalo Aid Station and return to the finish after 2:00PM. Unclaimed bags remain at the Rainshadow van until 9:00PM, then donated to a local outdoor program.
Crew & Pacers
Crew and spectators can cheer at the start/finish only. Permits prohibit vehicle access to Buffalo and Roza aid stations, and crews found on course risk runner disqualification. Parking is limited; expect a short walk from the Umtanum overflow lot.
Volunteers
Swag & Medals
Optional Yakima Skyline technical tee available during registration. All runners enjoy a post-race taco feast, craft beverages, and free primitive riverside camping Friday and Saturday nights.
Getting There
Driving Directions
Passes & Permits
Discover Pass required for parking.
Parking
Park in the gravel overflow lot for Umtanum Creek Recreation Area. Follow event signs and walk 0.3 mile south to the start/finish. Do not park in the paved day-use area. Limited ADA parking is available on-site by prior arrangement. A Washington Discover Pass is required for vehicles parked in the Umtanum overflow lot. No pass needed for private-property start/finish if you walk in.
Lodging
Primitive tent and small-RV camping is free at start/finish (no water or hookups). Canyon River Ranch luxury suites are 1.5 miles south. Additional hotels are available in Ellensburg and Yakima, each 20–25 minutes away. Nearby BLM campgrounds Umtanum, Big Pines, Lmuma, and Roza. They operate first-come, first-served.
Ellensburg, washington
Requirements
Bib must be worn front-facing and visible at aid-station check-in and check-out.
Qualifying Races
Prior trail experience is strongly recommended given 9,200 ft of climbing and technical terrain.
Mandatory Gear
At minimum carry two 16 oz bottles or a hydration vest totaling 32 oz. A sun hat, electrolyte tablets, and a light wind shell are strongly recommended for exposed ridges.
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Race Policies
Dog Policy
Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome at the start/finish and on course, but owners must consider hot, rocky terrain and scarce water when deciding to run with their pup.
Note from Kåduka: our staff have done this course multiple times; we don't bring our own pups to the course — there's no water throughout the entire course; it's very dry terrain — but they have a fun time at the Start & Finish.
Charity & Beneficiary
A portion of proceeds supports local trail-maintenance grants through Rainshadow’s “For The Trails” fund, keeping Yakima Canyon’s single-track rugged and runnable.
Land Acknowledgement
This race takes place on the ancestral lands of the Yakama Nation and associated tribes and bands who have stewarded this high-desert landscape for generations. We honor their enduring connection to the canyon and its river. Race entry fees are waived for tribal members; email info@rainshadowrunning.com for details.
About Rainshadow Running
Rainshadow Running is known for hosting some of the most scenic, challenging, and well-loved trail races in the Pacific Northwest. Since 2006, we've brought runners together on rugged mountain trails, coastal bluffs, and remote desert ridges, places that inspire awe and demand grit.
Our races are more than just miles; they’re celebrations of community, nature, and the wild beauty of the land. Whether you're chasing a PR or just here for the post-race party with wood-fired pizza and bluegrass music, you're part of the Rainshadow family.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information on Kåduka, but details may change. Please always confirm the latest information on the official race website. See something that needs correcting? Send us a note at feedback@kaduka.app