Conquering Nature’s Challenge: The Timberline Marathon & Half Marathon Experience

In the Pacific Northwest, the scenes of towering mountains and lush green forests excite and bring calm to those venturing within their shadows. Trail runners seek out these exceptional locals to also inspire as they aim to push the limits of their own abilities. The Timberline Trail Half and Full Marathon is one of those coveted runs that will simultaneously drain your energy with technical tails while also filling your soul with the energy only found after a day in the forest.

There will be two half marathon options, one taking place Saturday, June 8th; the second option taking place Sunday, June 9th. The marathon will take place Saturday, June 8th.

The course, although notably challenging, is one of the most scenic in the Pacific Northwest with views of Mount Hood from the banks of Timothy Lake. The half marathon is longer than the traditional ½ and follows 14.4 mile trail around Timothy Lake.

This race starts and finishes south of Timothy Lake, on Oregon Skyline Road 42. Runners then complete an out-and-back loop around the lake. The loop is run counterclockwise, passing Hoodview Campground and Pine Point Campground. The trail is single-track and often technical. The race is run around 3,000 feet above sea level, and the high elevation is something to consider in training and race-day preparations.

Matt ran this a few years ago and had this to say:

The course was magical with a combination of terrains. We started off downhill on some dirt trails before a very brief mini-scrambling section over larger rocks. After that, the rest of the race was completed on a very gently rolling, well-manicured, and superbly marked trail. We got to run in forest settings, over wooden bridges, along the lakeside beaches of Timothy Lake, and even across the dam itself.

After the event, there were tons of great refueling that catered to all kinds of runners – from those who want some fruit and granola bars, to those who feel the need to splurge on chips and cookies. There were on-site massages afterwards (available for a fee) that I immediately regretted not taking advantage of after I left.

Now that I know what the Timberline Marathon and Half are all about, I have absolutely zero issues with recommending it to those looking for a challenge in the forested beauty of the Mt. Hood Wilderness. They could make the “half marathon” 17 miles next year and I’d be even more ecstatic to join!

There will be three aid stations on the course (six for the marathon). These stations include water, Gatorade and toilets. Stations are located at miles 6.14, 9.87, and 12.51. In addition to provided aid, participants are asked to carry any other supplies or medications (EpiPen) with them as emergency help can be far away due to the remote location of this event.

Additional notes to consider include:

• Since traffic does not stop at road crossings, runners should come to a stop and check for safe crossing. Remove headphones at road crossings.
• Horses are present on the trails and runners are asked to slowly walk when encountering an equestrian and wait for the horse to pass or pull off the trail.
• Littering along the trail will result in runner disqualification.
• In an effort to create a safe environment for all runners, participants must be able to complete the course in 4.5 hours (for the half) and 7 hours (for the full).