The Northwest Automotive Press Association board is proud to announce that Mudfest 2026 — NWAPA’s Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year drive event — is set for May 5–7, 2026, in Shelton, Washington. Our signature annual event is designed for members to get time with the latest vehicles, produce content and interface with manufacture’s representatives.
Please read this info thoroughly before scrolling down to register.
We’re planning another significant program featuring important new vehicles, including Scout Motors, which is scheduled to bring a prototype vehicle for content generation. We’re returning to Washington’s scenic Kitsap Peninsula and The Ridge Motorsports Park for both on- and off-road evaluations.
The cost for media members to participate in Mudfest is $75 per journalist. Accommodations will be at the idyllic Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal. Registration includes complimentary meals and lodging. Once you register, NWAPA will make your accommodation reservations — no need to contact the resort directly.
Only invitees who have paid their dues and Mudfest registration fees may attend. Please, no visitors, spouses, or guests who are not actively involved in the event’s production. Assistants, photographers, and camera operators are not permitted to participate in driving or scoring, and their rooms will not be covered unless they are active NWAPA members in good standing.
IMPORTANT
NWAPA and its members are well respected, and Mudfest is a lot of fun. However, in these days of shrinking automakers budgets, our organization must raise the bar. Treat Mudfest like any professional automotive program.
It is critical that participants produce content and submit links to NWAPA. Manufacturers’ representatives need proof of performance to justify the expense of participation to their executives. Please arrive with a plan to generate stories. Failure to meet these expectations may result in restrictions on attending future NWAPA events.
Every participating journalist must:
- Arrive on time
- Obey the set rules and drive to abilities and changing conditions
- Stay for both testing days
- Drive every vehicle, on both on and off-road courses
- Complete scoring after both on- and off-road assessments by the end of each day
Journalist attendance is limited to 21 members to ensure adequate evaluation time for each vehicle. If you are not among the first 21 to register, or if you have a history of not following protocol or producing content, your name will be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations.
To attend, you must be a current NWAPA member with annual dues paid. If your membership is not current, we will contact you. You will not be added to the attendee list until your 2026 dues are paid.
Event Locations
Alderbrook Resort
7101 E State Route 106
Union, WA 98592
(360) 898-2200
AlderbrookResort.com
The Ridge Motorsports Park
1060 Eells Hill Rd
Shelton, WA 98584
(360) 427-7223
ridgemotorsportspark.com
Tentative Agenda
Tuesday, May 5
- Please arrive by 3:00 p.m.
- Executive meeting: 3:30 p.m.
- Membership meeting: 4:30 p.m.
- Cocktails: 6:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 7:00 p.m. at Alderbrook Resort
Wednesday, May 6
- Group breakfast at Alderbrook Resort: 7:00–8:00 a.m.
- On-pavement testing at The Ridge Motorsports Park
- Lunch at The Ridge Motorsports Park
- Continued on-pavement testing, open evaluation, and content creation
- Complete Day 1 ballot before returning to Alderbrook
- Cocktails and dinner at Alderbrook Resort
Thursday, May 7
- Group breakfast at Alderbrook Resort: 7:00–8:00 a.m.
- Off-road testing at The Ridge Motorsports Park
- Hotel checkout (bags may be left with the bell desk if needed)
- Lunch at The Ridge Motorsports Park
- Continued off-road testing
- Complete Day 2 ballot before individual departures
Mudfest 2026 allows NWAPA member journalists to review vehicles on closed courses in controlled conditions. Ultimately, Mudfest is a competition. Following testing, journalists vote to determine the best vehicle in each category and select an overall winner for the NWAPA Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year award.
Event photography will be provided to participating journalists after the event.
Additional logistical information and schedule updates will be shared as needed.
We look forward to seeing you in May.
Sincerely,
Tom Voelk
NWAPA President
