Runners will start by running north from the Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger Station, on the Miller trail, skirting the eastern edge of Timothy Lake before joining the Pacific Crest Trail. You’ll pass through the Forest Road 58 aid station before reaching the Frog Lake aid station where you’ll turn around. You return the way you came on the PCT, until you reach the northern end of the Timothy Lake where you’ll turn onto the Timothy Lake trail running counter clockwise around the lake. After one last stop at the Dam aid station, you’ll head for the finish line rejoining the Miller trail into the Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger Station. The trail is generally soft with good footing, although there are some technical sections with rocks and roots. You are almost entirely shaded by big trees and will have an outstanding view of Mt. Hood on your way out and also when on the south side of the lake.
Total elevation gain is approximately 2,500 feet.
Interactive 50K Caltopo map link
No crews are needed or allowed for the 50K. Spectators can cheer on runners at the start/finish, the Forest Road 58 aid station and the Dam aid station. Spectators cannot provide assistance to a runner. Racers are disqualified if they have spectators at other aid stations.
Directions to Forest Road 58 Aid Station: Leaving the Start/Finish area, go north on Hwy 42. Four miles back up Hwy 42, toward Hwy 26, you turn left onto Forest Road 58. Please drive slowly and carefully as this road has giant and deep potholes. Go approximately 5.3 miles down Forest Road 58 to where the PCT crosses this road. Forest Road 58 is paved and goes straight out (no turns), don’t turn down any gravel or paved side roads.
Directions to the Dam Aid Station: Leaving the Start/Finish area, go north on Hwy 42 for 100 yards, turn left at the Y onto Road 57. Drive 3.5 miles to the Dam and park in the public lot across the road from the aid station.
Runners must leave Forest Road 58 aid station the second time, at mile 19.2, by 12:00 pm. If you miss the 12:00 pm cutoff, you will be asked to return to the Start/Finish with the aid station volunteers.
This is a running event, sorry no walkers.
Aid stations are stocked with Precision Fuel gels, Precision Hydration electrolyte drink, water, soft drinks, PB&Js, potato chips, pickles, Fritos, gummy bears, Oreos, fruit, Fig Newtons, M&Ms, and other ultra fare.
Go Beyond Racing is cupless. You’ll need to bring your own cup for liquid aid at all aid stations. Read more about what it means to be cupless.
| Aid Station | Segment Distance | Total Distance | Porta-Potty | Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | Yes | |||
| Forest Rd 58 | 9.2 | 9.2 | No | No |
| Frog Lake | 5.0 | 14.2 | No | No |
| Forest Rd 58 | 5.0 | 19.2 | No | 12:00 p.m. |
| Dam | 8.0 | 27.2 | No | No |
| Finish | 4.0 | 31.2 | Yes | No |
There are no drop bags for the Mt Hood 50K.
Our USFS permits strictly limit the number of runners on the trails so pacers are not allowed in this race.
