About This Race
The Klickitat Trail Run follows the scenic Klickitat River through the Columbia River Gorge, offering runners a chance to experience one of Washington's most beautiful trail corridors. This community-focused event has been a fixture in the Pacific Northwest racing calendar since at least 2013, benefiting local schools and community centers in the small town of Klickitat. The half marathon runs point-to-point from Lyle to Klickitat along the historic Klickitat River Trail, treating runners to canyon walls, riverside views, and brilliant fall colors in early November. The race is organized by the Columbia Gorge Running Club in partnership with the Klickitat School District and Trail Conservancy, creating an authentic small-town racing experience. With its relatively gentle river-grade terrain and stunning gorge scenery, this event appeals to runners seeking a scenic trail experience without extreme technical challenges. The intimate scale and community support make it particularly welcoming for runners new to trail racing or those looking for a more relaxed racing atmosphere.
The half marathon follows the Klickitat River Trail point-to-point from Lyle to Klickitat, running alongside the scenic river through the Columbia River Gorge. The trail features relatively gentle grades as it follows the natural contours of the river valley, with canyon walls rising on either side and opportunities to view fall foliage along the water.
The 5K course also utilizes sections of the river trail system, though specific routing details are not provided in the available information. Both courses showcase the natural beauty of the Klickitat River corridor and the dramatic landscape of the Columbia River Gorge region.
Race History
2025 Results
Practical Info
Early November in the Columbia River Gorge typically features cool temperatures in the 40-50°F range with potential for rain and crisp fall conditions.
PDX - Portland International Airport
Limited lodging options in small-town Klickitat; runners typically stay in nearby Hood River or The Dalles with additional options in Portland area.
Best For
Notable Features
This grassroots community event combines scenic river trail running with small-town hospitality, featuring shuttle transportation to start lines and strong local support. The race timing in early November showcases the Columbia River Gorge's stunning fall colors, while the point-to-point format along the historic Klickitat River Trail provides continuously changing scenery without the repetition of loop courses.