Elk-Kings Trail Races
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Elk-Kings Trail Races in the Tillamook Forest
Elk-Kings is a trail race series held in the Tillamook Forest in Oregon's Cascade Mountains, based at the Smith Homestead near the Tillamook Forest Center. The event offers three course options on single-track and river trails beside the Wilson River. Parking, bib pickup, shuttles, and the finish line are at Smith Homestead.
Distances:
- 50K: Wilson River Trail end to end, 6000' gain and loss.
- 25K: Steep technical single-track summiting Elk and Kings mountains.
- 11 Mile: New point to point on the Wilson River Trail, 2100' gain, 2400' loss.
The 25K includes rocky, exposed sections and requires scrambling to reach both summits; the descent returns on the Wilson River Trail. The 50K follows the Wilson River Trail from Keening Creek Campground to Elk Creek Campground and then returns, with mixed smooth and rocky river-adjacent terrain; it does not summit Elk or Kings. The 11 Mile shares the 25K start at Elk Creek but stays on the Wilson River Trail for a single point to point route.
Logistics: bib pickup is at Smith Homestead race morning only and requires photo ID. There is no parking at any start; racers park at Jones Creek Day Use Area and use shuttles to the starts. There is no overnight or car camping at Jones Creek or Smith Homestead. Wait list use is free when the race sells out. Registrations have tiered fees by date and the organizer's cancellation policy applies, including no transfers or refunds and a 50% credit for cancellations made more than 30 days before the race. The event acknowledges the traditional homelands of the Tillamook, Siletz, and Clatskanie Tribes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
