Bachelor Butte Dog Derby

February 27th through March 1, 2026

THE ODD DOG RACE

Wanoga SnoPark, Bend, Oregon

Race Details

The Bachelor Butte Dog Derby is a return to racing sled dogs in the Cascade Mountains near Bend, Oregon. This is an opportunity to experience the splendor of the Cascades and contest one’s dog team on world class terrain. The courses will be challenging and the classes offered somewhat nostalgic.

Class Description

The 1.5 mile course is an out-and-back trail though short it is still challenging as far as hill climbing. It is geared for anyone with just a few dogs; kids and adults; Skis or sled. 1.5 mile course map
The 7-mile* course is a loop that features some climbing; tight turns, and long straightaways. This will be a 5-dog maximum for sprint teams and a separate 1 or 2-dog skijor event. 7- mile course map.
The 11-mile* mid-distance, 9 dog course offers varying terrain including tight turns, climbing, downhills, and straightaways. 11-mile course map
Mid-distance drivers will enjoy the 7-dog 15-mile class, set to be in line with other mid-6 or 8 dog events in the Pacific Northwest. 15 mile course map
Open race for 7-13 Dogs (25 miles/day) pool of 15 dogs. Each day’s trail will be the same 25 mile trail staged from the Wanoga Sno-Park. 25 mile course map

2026 Change: As a result of unanticipated trail changes, the former 5-mile Sprint and 9-mile Sprint
races have changed to a 7-mile Sprint and 11-mile Mid, respectively.

Race Schedule

Open racers ONLY will start on Friday afternoon, then on Saturday and Sunday all classes will run starting at 8:30am.

Friday

3:00 PM Drivers’ Meeting

4:00 PM Open Start

4:30-6:00 PM An informal gathering, packet pickup available at Wanoga Sno-Park for non-open racers. Come early and help get the open racers on the trail. Stay for social gathering.

Saturday & Sunday

If the weather and trail conditions warrant it, all classes will be started consecutively – all teams may be on trail at the same time. Water and prep your dogs for racing before the Drivers’ Meeting.

7:30 AM Drivers’ Meeting

8:30 AM

Open
15-Mile Mid
11-Mile Sled
7-Mile Sled/Ski

11:30 AM

1.5-Mile Sled/Ski for juniors, novice, and fun

Saturday Only

12:30 PM An informal musher potluck held in the parking lot after the sprint races are completed. Bring whatever food you’d like to share, and something to grill. A chair, some music, whatever you can contribute to set the mood for the very casual “last snow race of the season” afternoon affair.

Sunday Only

12:00 PM A chili cook-off will be hosted by the local snowmobile club, Moon Country Snowbusters.
Vote for your favorite chili. Cash donations accepted for lunch.

1:00 PM Awards ceremony

Race Notes

Racers shall abide by the Bachelor Butte Dog Derby Rules, which can be found below.
The responsibility and sportsmanship rules of conduct (Section IV) will be enforced.

Sprint/Mid Race Rules
Open Race Rules

Online entries paid with a credit card will include additional processing fees.
Mandatory drivers’ meeting for all racers will be at the Wanoga Sno-Park outside of the warming shelter on each day one hour before race start.
Sled and ski teams will be segregated on each course.
Helmets are suggested for all participants and strongly recommended for juniors.
Metal-edge skis prohibited in skijoring classes.
Remember that Deschutes National Forest requires that all straw – including the straw in your dog boxes – be certified weed free!
BBDD is proud to support the Siberian Husky Club of America Inc. (SCHA) recognition of purebred teams by awarding ribbons to the top 3 Siberian husky teams in the 15-mile Mid and 7-mile Sprint classes. Awards are provided by the SHCA to promote the continued workability of the Siberian Husky. ALL dogs on the team must be purebred.
Contact: Cyndi Smidt at cynsmidt@gmail.com or 541-233-3470

Get your Bachelor Butte Dog Derby Gear!

(Coming Soon)

Registration for 2026 will open soon!

Volunteers Needed! Please click the links to see open positions and to sign up.

Ham Radio Operations & Communications

Dog Handling (Timers, Chute Boss, Dog Handlers, Wranglers)

Start Line Setup, and Operations (Set Up, Tear Down, Parking, Information, Announcer)

Trail Crew (Course Set Up, Trail Boss, Spotters)