The Ruff
OVER 3,000 FEET OF ELEVATION GAIN
Welcome to The Ruff 7 Mile Mountain Run. The only race that runs up Dog Mountain in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It is a chance for you to test your lungs by running straight up 3 miles (and 3000ft) to the summit of Dog Mountain and then testing your quads by bombing down 4 miles to the finish. You will have beautiful views of the Columbia River below, Mt Hood to the south and Mt St. Helens to the west. If you like mountain racing this is as close as it gets in the PNW! When you run this race you will feel like you are in the high mountains of Colorado.
DATE
November 22, 2026
LOCATION
Dog Mountain Trail
WA-14, Cook, WA 98605
START TIME
10:00 AM
REGISTRATION
Youth $33.50 until Race Day
Adult $43.50 – January 1 – January 14
Adult $53.50 – January 15 – October 31
Adult $66.25 – November 1 – Race Day
High School Athletes:
Anyone 18 years of age or under wil receive the youth pricing. This is a great celebration race to do after your successful cross country season since it is the week after NXR.
Youth pricing 18 and under.
BIB PICKUP
8:00 AM morning of race at the Dog Mountain Trailhead (start/finish).
COURSE
The race starts/finishes at the Dog Mountain Trailhead. The 7 mile course is run entirely on single-track trails. You will take the Dog Mountain Trail to the summit and then come down Augspurger Trail.
AWARDS
1st place male/female will receive a free pair of trail running shoes. Top 3 men and women will get an award. Top masters male/female will receive an award and King & Queen of the Mountain will receive an award.
4 LEGGED FAMILY MEMBERS
This is a dog-friendly event!
FOOD
Pizza provided by Backwoods Brewing and beer provided by Ninkasi.
GETTING HERE
The event is staged at the Dog Mountain trailhead 14 miles west of White Salmon, Washington.and 60 miles east of Portland, Oregon. The Dog Mountain trail is on the Columbia River Gorge, which separates the states of Oregon and Washington. It is one of the prettiest places in the PNW.
PARKING
Parking is available at the Dog Mountain trailhead. Parking is limited so everyone is encouraged to carpool.
POST RACE CELEBRATION
After your mountain run stay for beer from Ninkasi Brewing and a hot meal provided by a local vendor.
WEATHER
Check out latest local weather here.
RACE PHOTOS
All photos will be provided by James Holk.
Click here to view all race photos.
RACE RESULTS
Click here to view race results.
FOLLOW US
For all race updates and opportunities follow us on social media
This race is held under a special use permit and in partnership with the US Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area. In accordance with Federal Law and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, Elevated Trail Racing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.