About This Race
The Elk-Kings races represent the original Tillamook Forest trail running experience, having launched trail racing in this lush Oregon rainforest 13 years ago. After a brief hiatus following 2023, these technically demanding races return in 2026 by popular demand from the trail running community. Set among giant ferns and towering trees in Oregon's Cascade Mountains, the courses challenge runners with rocky scrambles, exposed ridgelines, and quad-punishing descents. Fall colors provide a stunning backdrop as runners navigate single-track alongside the Wilson River and tackle the technical ascents of Elk and Kings mountains. The race offers three distinct challenges: a point-to-point 50K along the Wilson River Trail with 6,000 feet of elevation change, a technical 25K that summits both Elk and Kings mountains requiring hand-over-hand scrambling, and a new 11-mile option for those seeking forest immersion without extreme exposure. Go Beyond Racing emphasizes this is not a typical trail race, warning that the courses demand respect and preparation for challenging terrain and significant elevation changes.
The 50K follows the Wilson River Trail end-to-end, starting at Keening Creek campground and running east to Elk Creek before returning to finish at Smith Homestead. Terrain varies from smooth dirt ribbon to rocky riverside sections with consistent elevation changes throughout. The 25K requires technical scrambling up rocky paths to summit both Elk and Kings mountains, followed by steep, quad-testing descents before finishing on the Wilson River Trail. The 11-mile course stays entirely on the Wilson River Trail from Elk Creek to Smith Homestead, offering a point-to-point route through the forest without the technical mountain ascents.
Race History
2023 Results
Practical Info
Fall weather in Oregon's Cascade Mountains can be variable, with potential for rain, cool temperatures, and colorful autumn foliage.
PDX - Portland International Airport
Hotels available in Portland, Tillamook, Beaverton, and Hillsboro. Elk Creek and Diamond Mill Campgrounds remain open in October. Airbnb and VRBO options available in the area. No overnight camping permitted at race venue.
Best For
Notable Features
These races hold the distinction of being the first trail races in the Tillamook Forest area, establishing a 13-year legacy in this spectacular rainforest setting. The 25K's hand-over-hand rock scrambling and exposed ridgeline running create an mountaineering-like experience rare in trail racing, while the Wilson River Trail sections showcase the Pacific Northwest's signature old-growth forest ecosystem with its towering trees and lush fern understory.