The Cape Mountain Trail Runs feature 50K and 25K loop courses that soar high above the Pacific Ocean on one of the Oregon Coast’s most defining headlands, Cape Mountain. Just 15 minutes north of Florence, the mountain’s hidden gem trail network offers miles and miles of exceptional singletrack through moss-draped old growth rainforest, enchanting creek canyons, and rare coastal headland meadows.
Background
Oregon’s Cape Mountain headland projects straight out of the Pacific Ocean from its base at Sea Lion Point (famous for its caves!), rising nearly 1500’ above sea level at its summit. Within the mighty Siuslaw National Forest (pronounced sigh-YEW-slaw), Cape Mountain’s massive size, volcanic origins and location define the Central Oregon Coast as the northern geographic boundary of the Oregon Dunes and the Siuslaw River Valley, home to some of the most scenic coastline anywhere in the United States. Meadow and summit views extend for dozens of miles on clear days, having been stewarded by fire for thousands of years by the native Siuslaw peoples, who’ve hunted deer and elk here for countless generations. The Siuslaw tribe’s name for the mountain is Hu’wiina, the “high dark place at the north end of the sand dunes”.
Land Acknowledgement: We honor and recognize that we gather for this event on the traditional lands of the native Siuslaw peoples, who have occupied and stewarded these lands for millenia. We respect their right to self-determination and their sacred connection to these lands and waters.
Course Surfaces
The course surfaces are surprisingly fast and flowing on dirt singletrack and a few intermittent dirt doubletrack sections. Most of the course mileage is very runnable and smooth dirt trail. There are numerous areas with shallow tree roots and rocks to negotiate, but they are not predominant or extensive along the course. Since these trails were originally purpose-built as equestrian trails, they drain very well, they flow nicely and the climbs and descents are neither terribly steep or technical.
50K
The 50K offers a gorgeous, challenging course on 90% dirt singletrack and 10% dirt doubletrack and is the 25K loop course run twice, totaling 31.2 miles with 6000’ of elevation gain and loss. The course features miles of glorious old growth coastal rainforest, some fun creeks crossings and sweeping coastline views. This is truly a hidden gem trail network with high quality flowing trails that get surprisingly low use. You’ll definitely add these trails to your future coast adventures after running here!
Elevation Change: The course has 6000’ of ascent and 6000’ of descent (3000’ per 25K loop).
25K
The 25K offers a gorgeous, challenging single loop-style course on 90% dirt singletrack and 10% dirt doubletrack over 15.6 miles and 3000’ of elevation gain and loss. The course features miles of stunning old growth coastal rainforest, some enchanting creeks crossings and epic panoramic coastline views. This is truly a hidden gem trail network with high quality flowing trails that get surprisingly low use. You’ll definitely add these trails to your future coast adventures after running here!
Elevation Change: The course has 3000’ of ascent and 3000’ of descent.
Aid Stations
The aid stations are staffed with enthusiastic volunteers offering tasty fuel: Gnarly Nutrition energy drink, water, soda, MUIR energy gels, Skout Organic energy bars, bananas, oranges, chips, PB&J sandwiches, and more. All Daybreak races are cupless, so be sure to bring your own cup for liquid at aid stations.
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