We semi-retired this Tillamook forest race after 2023, to make room in our schedule for the Oregon 200, and boy did we hear from runners that they wanted this one brought back. So in 2026, the Elk-Kings in back – and bigger and better than before.
These races are held in the Tillamook Forest, in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, and were the first trail races in the area, starting 13 years ago. This very lush rainforest is full of giant ferns, towering trees, rocky mountains, and challenging single-track alongside the Wilson River. Fall in the Tillamook is fantastic with lots of colors popping.
The 25K route is tech-ni-cal. You’ll be using your hands to help you scramble up the rocky path to the summit of Elk mountain. But you aren’t done climbing yet, because you get to go on to the top of Kings mountain too. Then your descent begins and we’re talking quad-busting. You’ll wrap it up by running on the Wilson River Trail to the finish line. We do not recommend this course for those afraid of exposure.
The 50K this year will cover the Wilson River trail from one end to the other. You’ll start at the western end at Keening Creek campground and run the trail east all the way to the Elk Creek campground. There you turn back and run the way you came, peeling off to finish at the Smith Homestead. The terrain is mixed with some very smooth dirt ribbon and some rockier sections like you’d expected running beside a river. It’s got 6,000′ of gain and loss, so you’ll be going up and down throughout but you do not go up Elk or Kings mountains.
The 11-miler is a brand new course and starts with the 25K race at Elk Creek and instead of going up Elk Mountain with those racers, you’ll stay on the Wilson River trail the entire time. This is a point-to-point course with 2100′ of gain and 2400′ of loss. It’s the perfect route for those who don’t want the climbing and exposure of the 25K, aren’t up for an ultra, but still want to frolick in the forest.
50K
$130 (Mar 1 – 14)
$145 (Mar 15 – May 14)
$155 (May 15 – Oct 9)
25K
$85 (Mar 1 – 14)
$105 (Mar 15 – May 14)
$115 (May 15 – Oct 9)
11-Miler
$55 (Mar 1 – 14)
$65 (Mar 15 – May 14)
$75 (May 15 – Oct 9)
The above is only Go Beyond Racing’s registration fee and does not include Ultrasignup’s processing fees, any taxes, or add-ons you select. Those are included in the prices on the Ultrasignup site.
Wait list is enabled when the race sells out. It is free to get on the wait list. Your card is charged if and when you accept the email invite to move off the wait list.
Please note that there are no transfers to other runners and no refunds. If you need to cancel your registration and it’s more than 30 days prior to the race, you will receive a 50% credit toward a future Go Beyond Racing race. If your cancellation is 30 days or less from race day, there is no credit. By registering, you agree to this Cancellation Policy.
Do you want to race but can’t afford the entry fee? Are you a BIPOC or Queer runner? We can help you get to the start line with our Trail Mix Fund.
50K
25K & 11M
This Tillamook Forest race occurs, in northwestern Oregon, based at the Smith Homestead, part of the Tillamook Forest Center. Parking, bib pickup, shuttles, and the finish line are all here.
Everyone must pick up their bib race morning, at the Smith Homestead. There is no bib pickup at the start lines. Smith Homestead is located right before the Tillamook Forest Center, off Highway 6.
Photo ID is REQUIRED to pick up your bib.
There is no parking at the start for any of the distances. All racers will park at the Jones Creek Day Use Area, by the Smith Homestead and walk to the Smith Homestead for bib pickup and to get on the shuttles. The Smith Homestead is also the finish line for all distances. Shuttle ride is about 10 minutes. There are potties at Smith Homestead and the start lines.
Volunteers will direct you to park on race morning. Be considerate by parking tightly so everyone can fit in the lots. If the Jones Creek lots fill, you’ll be directed to park up the road at the Equestrian parking lot.
If you are interested in carpooling, you can post here to find or give a ride. This is a Google spreadsheet that is viewable to anyone with the link, so only post what you want public.
Descriptions for the 50K, 25K, and 11M courses are on their respective pages. You can find aid station mileage, cutoffs, and crew access information on there.
The Elk-Kings races are based out of the Smith Homestead, which is part of the Tillamook Forest Center. This is a 1-hour, 15-minute/50-mile drive from Portland.
You can find hotels in Portland, Tillamook, and along Hwy 26 in Beaverton and Hillsboro. Many campgrounds are closed for the season, but the Elk Creek and Diamond Mill Campgrounds are open. There are also Airbnb and VRBO rentals in the area.
There is no overnight or car camping at Jones Creek Day Use Area or at Smith Homestead.
You’ll cross the finish line back at Smith Homestead (where you parked and picked up your bib). Spectators are invited so have your friends and family come cheer you in. We’ll feed and rehydrate you with Cascade Lakes Brewing beer, and AVID hard cider, and sparkling waters. There are live finish line results so you can see when the other runners finish. We’ll have an awards ceremony where the top three men, women, and non-binary finishers from each distance will receive great prizes from our sponsors. We will also hand out three-deep age-group awards, and have lots of raffle prizes. Every finisher earns an Elk-Kings pint glass.
The weather in October could be wonderful or wet. You are in the Coast Mountain range, so be prepared by knowing the forecast and bringing layers and options with you. Weather
Need help getting ready for this Tillamook Forest race? We highly recommend the folks at Wy’east Wolfpack. They provide excellent coaching and training services.
We are pretty active on social media. Like our Elk-Kings race Facebook page so you can see all kinds of pictures and stay on top of what’s happening with this race. Go Beyond Racing is on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky too.
We do have a few rules that apply to all Go Beyond Racing races. Be sure you are familiar with them.
We acknowledge that this race occurs on the traditional homelands of the Tillamook, Siletz, and Clatskanie Tribes.