The Great Columbia Crossing 10K – One Bridge. Two States. Thousands of Stories.

There are plenty of races with scenic views. There are not many that shut down the longest continuous truss bridge in North America and let thousands of runners and walkers cross it entirely on foot.

That alone makes The Great Columbia Crossing one of the most unique events in the Pacific Northwest.

The Astoria-Megler Bridge is already an unforgettable sight when viewed from afar or while driving high above the Columbia River. During the Great Columbia Crossing, however, participants get the rare opportunity to experience this engineering marvel from an entirely different perspective — step by step, stride by stride, suspended between Washington and Oregon with panoramic views stretching in every direction.

For many participants, this is less about chasing a PR and more about soaking in an experience you simply cannot get anywhere else.

The race begins at the Dismal Nitch Rest Area in Washington, where participants are shuttled to the start. From there, runners head south on US-101 toward the Astoria-Megler Bridge before eventually descending into Astoria. The course continues along the Riverwalk and Greenway paths before finishing near the Port of Astoria.

The route itself is memorable from start to finish, but let’s be honest — the bridge is the star of the show.

Participants should know that while portions of the bridge are relatively runnable, there is a significant climb near the center span. The uphill section begins just before mile four and lasts approximately 0.6 miles with a grade hovering around 5.6%.

It is tough. But it is also exactly what makes this event so iconic.

The payoff at the top is one of the best race views you will find anywhere in Oregon or Washington. Water, mountains, ships, forest, and coastline all collide into a sweeping Pacific Northwest backdrop that feels almost surreal when experienced from the middle of the bridge.

The event is capped at 3,500 participants each year to ensure a safe crossing, and spots historically disappear quickly. It has become one of those “you should do it at least once” races for many Northwest runners — though plenty return year after year.

Once participants reach Astoria, the celebration continues near the Port of Astoria finish area with medals, post-race festivities, and an atmosphere that feels equally community-driven and destination-worthy.

One detail we particularly love? The inclusion of Clam Bucks in participant swag bags. These wooden tokens function as local currency at participating businesses during race week, encouraging runners and visitors to explore Astoria while supporting local shops, restaurants, and businesses.

At Run Oregon, we always appreciate races that feel truly tied to the communities and landscapes they run through. The Great Columbia Crossing absolutely delivers on that front. It is challenging without being intimidating, scenic without feeling manufactured, and uniquely Pacific Northwest in the best possible way.