Elk-Kings Trail Races
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Event Overview
The Elk-Kings Trail Races take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026 in the Tillamook State Forest near Tillamook, Oregon. The event is based at Smith Homestead on Wilson River Highway, where parking, bib pickup, shuttles, and the finish line are located.
These races are held in a lush rainforest setting with ferns, large trees, rocky mountains, and single-track trails along the Wilson River. The event includes three trail distances and uses shuttle transport from Smith Homestead to the various start lines. All races finish back at Smith Homestead.
After finishing, participants can see live results, receive food and drinks including beer, cider, and sparkling water, and attend an awards ceremony with overall and age-group prizes. Every finisher receives an Elk-Kings pint glass.
Distances and Courses
Available distances are:
- 50K
- 25K
- 11 miles
The 25K starts at Elk Creek and climbs both Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain on steep, technical single-track. Runners use their hands to scramble in places, and the descents are described as very demanding. The course finishes along the Wilson River Trail.
The 50K runs the Wilson River Trail from the western end at Keening Creek campground to Elk Creek campground, then returns on the same trail, finishing at Smith Homestead. The route stays on the river trail, has mixed smooth and rocky sections, and includes about 6,000 ft of elevation gain and loss without climbing Elk or Kings mountains.
The 11-mile race is a new, point-to-point course on the Wilson River Trail. It starts with the 25K at Elk Creek, stays on the river trail the whole way, and finishes at Smith Homestead, with about 2,100 ft of climbing and 2,400 ft of descent. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.