Feel the Burn at the Tillamook Burn Trail Runs

After enduring a series of forest fires that started in 1933, eventually referred to as the Tillamook Burn, the Tillamook Rain Forest saw one of the largest tree replanting campaigns in human history. That rain forest, known today as the Tillamook State Forest, offers up 350,000 plus acres of land blanketed in Douglas Fir trees. With miles upon miles of single track trails, this lustrous forested landscape seems like a runners paradise.

On May 9th, 10th, and 11th, runners will have an opportunity to experience this scenic utopia and “run the burn” at the Tillamook Burn Trail Run in which they have a chance to run a 20 Miler, a 50k, or a 50 Miler. Or, if you are one of those adventurous runners who doesn’t want to miss out on anything, you can do the 3-day 100 mile stage race and run all three races.

Friday May 9^th is kickoff day and the 20 miler will start at 9:00AM. This may be the shortest distance of the weekend, but it’s a tough and scenic out and back course, all along the Gales Creek Trail. Runners will take off from historic Reehers Camp to the Gales Creek Campground and back. Expect 3800 feet of ascent and descent along this 20.8 mile route with 3 aid stations.

Trails are hilly with some nice soft dirt, and a few technical sections with some roots and rocks underfoot. There will be long climbs and descents, some small rushing streams, gorgeous waterfall scenery, and lots of fun. You’ll have 6.5 hours to finish the race.

Saturday May 10^th is the day of the longest distance, the 50 miler, which begins at 6:00AM. Runners will be shuttled out to the start from Reehers Camp and they can expect a challenging but beautiful point to point course, with 40 miles being run on twisting forested single-track trail and 10 miles being run on scenic forest/jeep road.

Runners should expect to summit Larch Mountain (the third highest point in the Coast Range, at 3400’) as well as cross many small streams, enjoy multiple waterfalls, and cruise along dozens of miles of creek side trail. Overall the terrain is described as being “generally hilly and soft with great footing,” but will also include some more technical sections involving rocks, roots, and mud.

If you opt for the 50 miler, you can expect 9500 feet of ascent and descent and 7 aid stations. You’ll get 14 total hours to finish the race.

Sunday May 11^th will be the 50K, which starts at 8:00AM. This is an out and back course traversing the Coast Range mountain divide from Reehers Camp to University Falls and back, involving 6700 ft. of ascent and descent. Runners can expect a heavily forested course, run almost entirely on single-track trail.

The trails are described as “generally hilly and soft with great footing, although there are some technical sections with rocks and roots, occasional mud after rains and some long climbs and downhills.” There are 5 aid stations for this race distance and runners get 9 total hours to finish.

Please remember that all Daybreak races are CUPLESS, so don’t forget to bring a drinking vessel. Refills are always available at the aid stations along with smiles and support.

After the race, enjoy the post race festivities, open to runners, family, and volunteers. All participants will be treated to some great post-race food and a big campfire at the finish area. All finishers will receive a custom award and there will be a raffle of some awesome sponsor swag.