The McKenzie River Trail Run is Oregon’s oldest ultra, run annually since 1988. Tracing a route along the beautiful McKenzie River, with two spectacular waterfalls, a lake so pristine it’s called Clear Lake, lava flows, old growth forest, numerous log bridges and the aquamarine-colored Tamolitch pool where the the river …
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The McKenzie River Trail Run is Oregon’s oldest ultra, run annually since 1988. Tracing a route along the beautiful McKenzie River, with two spectacular waterfalls, a lake so pristine it’s called Clear Lake, lava flows, old growth forest, numerous log bridges and the aquamarine-colored Tamolitch pool where the the river flows from an underground lava tube, the McKenzie River Trail is one of the prettiest trails in America. The race offers runners a technically challenging course with only moderate elevation gains and the inspiration of some of Oregon’s most breathtaking scenery.
The course is point to point 50K on the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. The run begins at Carmen Reservoir off Hwy 126, just below Koosah Falls and Icecap Camp Ground. After a short gravel section, the course heads upriver on the Waterfalls Trail, crosses Hwy 126 and then goes around Clear Lake to the Santiam Wagon Road and the first aid station. From there it goes through Clear Lake resort, crosses back over Hwy 126 and takes a bridge to the far side of the river. It then follows the McKenzie River Trail 21 miles in the downriver direction to the finish line across from the McKenzie River Ranger Station.
The race start and finish are about 20 miles apart. The entry fee now includes the price of the shuttle from the McKenzie Community Track to the start as well as from the finish back to the Community Track. Watch the race Facebook page and website for details.
Net proceeds from the race are used to support the McKenzie Community Track and other McKenzie Bridge area non profits. The event is operated by Coburg Hills Running LLC under a special use permit from the Willamette National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.
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Rather disappointing
I have hiked the McKenzie river and the area is gorgeous so I was really looking forward to this race. The race starts out with a short out and back … MORE
I have hiked the McKenzie river and the area is gorgeous so I was really looking forward to this race. The race starts out with a short out and back on gravel road before you hit the single track. Once you are on the single track there is virtually nowhere to pass until you reach the first aid station at about 5 miles. Unless you are up in the front it is a slow, slow race until the first aid station. A bit of the race is on basalt which is easy to trip on and not at all forgiving if you fall. I ended up walking or going slow in these areas.
I was expecting more views of the river, but was disappointed at how infrequently you got to see it.
Oregon's Oldest Ultra not to be missed!
Breathtaking and diverse scenery almost the entire course. Run along the stellar McKenzie River, through old growth forest, across lava fields, and past waterfalls and a lake. Volunteers are stellar … MORE
Breathtaking and diverse scenery almost the entire course. Run along the stellar McKenzie River, through old growth forest, across lava fields, and past waterfalls and a lake. Volunteers are stellar with great food options-fried potatoes, fresh fruit, sweets. The only downfall is the yellow jackets. I ditched my floral and bright colored gear and still got stung! But the scenery is so darn beautiful, that didn’t much matter. No medal but you get cool arm sleeves. The area is gorgeous to turn the race into a vacation weekend. We stayed and enjoyed the lakes, fly fishing, and covered bridges.