Spring is in the air, trails are calling, and in-person racing continues to feel like a true reality again. If you’re craving dirt underfoot and some quality time in the woods, the Alsea Falls Spring Fling returns on March 7th.
Runners can choose between three distances:
- Half Marathon (actually ~12.2 challenging miles)
- 10K
- 5K
Short, punchy, and far from easy—just how we like our trail races.
The Setting: Alsea Falls Recreation Area
The race takes place at the beautiful Alsea Falls Recreation Area near Monroe, a classic Pacific Northwest trail destination. Expect a lush, wooded loop that shows off the area’s best terrain.
Trail races always come with a little extra challenge, but the payoff here—towering trees, quiet forest miles, and rugged beauty—is well worth the sore quads.
Start Times & Logistics
To help spread things out on the trails, the half marathon includes a staggered start:
- 9:30 AM – Early start for slower runners and walkers
- 10:00 AM – Half Marathon main start
- 10:15 AM – 10K
- 10:25 AM – 5K
Plan a little extra time for parking, as access roads are narrow and steep.
What to Expect on Course
The courses are a well-balanced mix of singletrack trail and gravel road, making this a true hybrid-style trail race. The gravel sections help keep things runnable, while the trails deliver the hills and technical flavor trail runners crave.
If you’ve never been to Alsea Falls before, this race alone is worth the entry. Many runners end up returning later in the season with friends and family to explore even more of the area.
Our Takeaways
We ran the Alsea Falls Spring Fling back in 2022, and a few things really stood out:
- Excellent signage—both getting to the race and throughout the course
- Parking is on a steep, narrow road; a nimble vehicle with good traction helps
- The hills are real—embrace them as an excuse to slow down and “unplug”
- Start/finish setup, packet pickup, and post-race hangout were all standout for a smaller event
- Aid stations were fully stocked with all the snacks
- Trail shoes with solid traction are a must—especially if conditions turn wet
- Families and dogs were everywhere, giving the event a relaxed, welcoming vibe
What You Get
Your entry includes a well-marked course, one aid station, and a genuinely fun race atmosphere.
Post-Race Perks
Finishers will receive custom pint glasses, with post-race awards, pizza, and drinks waiting at the finish. One important note: cell service is essentially nonexistent at Alsea Falls—consider it a feature, not a bug. Soak in the scenery and enjoy being unplugged.
This race is limited to 250 half participants (and only 50 in the 10k and 5k), so sign up soon!