Elk-Kings Trail Races
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Elk-Kings Trail Races
The Elk-Kings Trail Races take place in the Tillamook Forest within Oregon's Cascade Mountains. This event features a lush rainforest landscape characterized by giant ferns, towering trees, and rocky terrain along the Wilson River. The races utilize single-track trails and are held during the fall season.
Participants can choose from three distinct distances:
- 50 km: A course running the length of the Wilson River Trail from Keening Creek to Elk Creek and back. It features approximately 6,000 feet of elevation gain and loss on mixed terrain, varying from smooth dirt to rocky sections.
- 25 km: A technical route that includes scrambles up rocky paths to the summits of both Elk Mountain and Kings Mountain. The course involves steep climbs and descents before finishing on the Wilson River Trail.
- 11 miles: A point-to-point course on the Wilson River Trail involving 2,100 feet of gain and 2,400 feet of loss. This route stays on the main trail without ascending the mountain summits.
The event is based at the Smith Homestead, which serves as the hub for bib pickup and the finish line. All participants park at the Jones Creek Day Use Area and utilize a shuttle to reach the starting lines. The finish line area hosts a post-race celebration with food and beverages. Awards are presented to the top three finishers in several categories, and every finisher receives a commemorative pint glass. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
