The Buck Mountain Mudslinger was one of the first trail races I ever tackled, and it’s long been a staple in the Run Wild Adventures lineup (the same crew behind the iconic Silver Falls Marathon). After 16 years, the event is returning in 2026 with a few notable updates—starting with the name.
Formerly known as the Buck Mountain Mudslinger, the race will now go by the 4.5 Mile Trail Run at Silver Falls. While I’ll always have a soft spot for the old name, this new title is definitely clearer about what runners are signing up for—especially for an event on the shorter side. The race also shifts from February to March.
The course itself also gets a refresh. The previous loop was a 5.5-ish miler with a stout climb and a punchy descent on the Buck Mountain Loop Trail. The start/finish remains at Howard Creek Horse Camp, but the revised route trims some distance and pulls out that portion.
What hasn’t changed is the scenery—this race still showcases a gorgeous stretch of singletrack on the opposite side of the park from the famous waterfall-heavy courses. It’s a beautiful, quieter section of Silver Falls that deserves its own spotlight.
The biggest change, though, is flexibility. This is no longer a one-and-done loop. The course will be open for six hours, giving runners the option to tackle:
- A single 4.5-mile loop
- As many loops as you want, perfect for a trail half, ultra training, or a long supported day in the woods
Each lap will be timed individually, so runners can track splits and pacing throughout their effort. And with the start/finish area coming every ~4.5 miles, crew access is simple and easy.
Even with the updates, the core of this event remains the same: top-notch organization, a relaxed-yet-energized atmosphere, and the classic Run Wild Adventures post-race spread—fuel, snacks, beer, and plenty of good vibes.
