Mt Hood Trail Runs
Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger Station, Oregon
A well-loved PNW trail weekend with gorgeous shaded PCT running and a festive finish-line scene — ideal for first-time ultra runners or those chasing a fast mountain 50.
- When
- July 11, 2026
- Distances
- 50 Mile · 50K · 25K
- Surface
- Trail
- Course
- Out-and-back
- Elevation gain
- 5,630 ft
- Altitude
- —
- Weather
- Warm
- Nearest airport
- PDX
- Suggested trip
- 2 nights
Score breakdown
7.6/10Strong. A strong destination race with real appeal.
Also worth knowing (not weighted)
Editorial score (v0.1) — full method on How we score. Never affected by sponsorships.
Weather
| Month | Avg high / low | Band |
|---|---|---|
| July | 44–75°F | Warm |
Historical averages for planning — not a forecast. Always check conditions before race week.
Route & course
50 Mile
Out-and-back · Trail · starts 6:00 AM- Elev gain
- 5,630 ft
- Elev loss
- 5,630 ft
- High point
- —
- Low point
- —
- Turnaround at the midpoint; the second half retraces the first
- Aid stations seen twice
Double out-and-back on the PCT: north 14.2 mi to Frog Lake turnaround, back through start/finish at mile 28.4, then south out-and-back to Warm Springs Meadows. 9 aid stations (miles 6, 9.2, 14.2, 19.2, 22.4, 28.4, 33.7, 39.2, 44.7). Crew access at miles 0, 9.2, 19.2, 28.4, and 50. Bib pickup 5:00–5:45 a.m., pre-race announcements 5:50 a.m. Hard cutoff: Warm Springs aid station before 4 PM. Cupless race — bring your own cup.
50K
Lollipop · Trail · starts 7:00 AM- Elev gain
- 2,500 ft
- Elev loss
- 2,500 ft
- High point
- —
- Low point
- —
- A shared stem leads into a loop
- Note the loop direction
Shares first 21 miles with 50M on PCT heading north; returns on PCT then loops counterclockwise around Timothy Lake. No drop bags, no crew. Cutoff: leave Forest Road 58 aid station (mile 19.2) by 12:00 PM. Bib pickup 6:00–6:45 a.m. Race is on Sunday. Secondary source lists 2,723 ft gain; official site says ~2,500 ft.
25K
Loop · Trail · starts 8:00 AM- Elev gain
- —
- Elev loss
- —
- High point
- —
- Low point
- —
- Start and finish in the same area
- Easier spectating and repeated aid access
Unique course from 50M/50K: crosses FS Road 42 onto Miller Trail, continues on Headwaters Trail around Clackamas Lake, then Old 1916 Trail to first aid station at mile 5.7, then joins Timothy Lake trail. Bib pickup 6:45–7:45 a.m. SOLD OUT for 2026 — waitlist only.
Travel
- Base town
- Government Camp, OR
- Nearest airport
- PDX · 75 min
- Rental car
- Recommended
- Rideshare
- Limited
- Lodging
- Limited
- Facilities
- Limited
- Trip length
- 2 nights
- Travel complexity
- 6.5/10
Remote venue in Mt Hood National Forest, ~20 miles south of Mt Hood and 50 miles from Sandy; rental car essential; limited lodging nearby requires advance booking.
Getting around
- Crew access — Start/Finish Aid Station
Major psychological checkpoint — crew accessible, easy DNF point
Government Camp (~22 miles north) is the closest lodging hub; Hood River is a more vibrant base 40+ miles away. Parking is on FS Road 42 — follow volunteer directions. No rideshare service in this area.
Best for / avoid if
Best for
- first 50-mile runners
- PNW trail enthusiasts
- runners who want crew-friendly courses
- weekend double (50M + 50K)
- trail runners
- mountain scenery lovers
- Pacific Crest Trail fans
Avoid if
- you need a dramatic exposed ridgeline course
- you dislike double out-and-back formats
- you need a drop bag for the 50K
- you dislike remote starts
- need abundant post-race amenities
- struggle with July heat
First-timer mistakes
Passing through the start/finish at mile 28.4 of the 50M is a major DNF trap — have a plan to move through quickly; also don't forget a cup (cupless race) and photo ID for bib pickup.
Where to stay, eat & explore
Local picks for the weekend.
Closest lodging hub ~22 miles north of the race start; multiple options in Government Camp village.
- Timberline Lodge Lodging
Iconic historic lodge on Mt Hood's south slope, ~18 miles north of the start; book well in advance.
- Timothy Lake Recreation Area Activity
Reservoir lake adjacent to the race course; swimming, kayaking, and camping available post-race.
- Cascade Lakes Brewing (post-race beer) Food / restaurant
Official race beer sponsor; provided on-site at finish line for all racers and volunteers.
- Campgrounds at Timothy Lake Lodging
Popular base camp right by the start/finish.
- Timothy Lake Recreation Activity
Hiking, fishing, boating, or swimming.
- Mt. Hood National Forest Trails Activity
Explore further hiking opportunities.
Runner reports
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Race history
Race-trip notes
The venue is remote (~20 miles south of Mt Hood, 22 miles south of Government Camp); base in Government Camp or Hood River the night before for easy morning access. No early starts, so pre-race logistics are tight — arrive early.
About this race
Based out of the historic Clackamas Lake Ranger Station at 3,350 ft, the 50-mile runs a double out-and-back on the PCT while the 50K and 25K loop around Timothy Lake on Sunday. Soft footing, heavy tree cover, and moderate vert make this accessible yet beautiful — capped by free burgers and Cascade Lakes beer at the finish.
Last verified July 1, 2026. Race details can change — always confirm with the official race website.
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