50 Miler

The Tillamook Burn 50 miler is an exceptionally epic point-to-point route! This springtime gem features a forested, mountainous course offering some of the highest quality singletrack anywhere in the Pacific NW.

The route traverses the Oregon Coast Range mountain divide from west to east, starting on the banks of the beautiful Wilson River, long revered for its world-class salmon runs. From there runners travel through deep forest, up high along mountainside cliffs and across countless spring-fed side streams to the Oregon Coast Range summit divide at Storey Burn ridge. From Storey Burn Trailhead, runners head south for the classic University Falls lollipop loop, then continue northerly through the remote and rowdy backcountry zone of the Gales Creek canyon, up to its headwaters near Bell Camp ridge, then down, down, down on a final ripping descent to historic Reehers Camp near the upper Nehalem River for the finish.

The trails and forest roads here are hilly and twisty, but generally soft dirt trail with great footing. There are some technical sections with rocks and roots, as well as some long climbs and descents. Runners will cross many small rushing streams, pass by some beautiful waterfalls, and travel miles and miles of remote creekside trail with many gorgeous territorial views. In all, the course features 9500’ of climbing and 8900’ of descent on 40 miles of single track and 10 miles of rugged, scenic and remote forest roads.

Race Day Schedule

• RACE DATE: Saturday, May 11, 2024

• EVENT STAGING: Reehers Camp in the Tillamook State Forest

• CHECK-IN OPTIONS (all at Reehers Camp ONLY, no bib pickup at the Start):

  • Friday, May 10th: 3:00PM-5:00PM

  • Race Morning: 3:50AM-4:45AM

• SHUTTLE BUS: departs Reehers Camp by 4:45AM for a 50-55 min ride to the Start at Smith Homestead. Runners may opt to be dropped off at the adjacent Jones Creek Day Use by crew, then walk up to the Start.

• START TIME: 6:00AM at Smith Homestead near Jones Creek Day Use.

• CUT OFFS:

  • 1:15PM AT STOREY BURN AID 4, MILE 26.6

  • 4:30PM AT STOREY BURN AID 6, MILE 39.0

  • 7:00PM AT BELL CAMP AID 7, MILE 47.2

  • 8:00PM at Reehers Camp (14 hours to finish).

• BONFIRE: ALL DAY!

Course Map & Profile

• MAP: Click on the course map image to open a high resolution copy.

• INTERACTIVE MAP: Click HERE for an interactive course map in Caltopo.

• GPX DATA: Click HERE for a .gpx data file of the course.

• ELEVATION CHANGE: The course has 9500’ of ascent and 8900’ of descent.

Aid Stations

The 50 miler has seven aid stations. All Daybreak races are CUPLESS. Be sure to bring your own drinking vessel/cup for liquids such as soda at aid stations.

Aid Station 1 is a self-serve hydration station only, with water and Gnarly Fuel2O energy drink available.

Aid Station 2-7 will be well stocked with: water, Gnarly Nutrition Fuel2O energy drink, Coke, 7up, ginger ale, Spring Energy gels, PB&J sandwiches, cookies, various fresh fruit options, potato chips, gummi snacks, a variety of other ultra fare and basic first aid supplies. Some of the later aid stations will have warm/savory options such as veggie broth, quesadillas, mashed potatoes as well. There is a LIMIT OF 2 SPRING ENERGY GELS per aid station pass per runner. If you require more than 2 energy gels per aid station pass, you must carry your own and/or have more in your drop bags.

Aid Station 2-7 are full service and well supported with enthusiastic and experienced sponsors, volunteers and HAM Radio operators. Be sure to express your appreciation for their support during the race. Most aid stations will also have professional medical personnel present with a full compliment of emergency response and first aid equipment. 

Shuttle Bus

Riding the shuttle bus is optional. Runners can choose to be dropped off at the race start OR ride the shuttle buses from Reehers Camp on race morning. The buses load up at 4:45AM and depart Reehers Camp at 4:50AM sharp. The shuttle ride is approximately 50-55 minutes.

Note there is no shuttle back to the start from the finish, so if you drove yourself to the start, you’re on your own to get back to your vehicle.

Crew

Crew and spectators are welcome and have drive-up access on the course at:

• Start Area. While the Start Line is at Smith Homestead, all crew parking is at Jones Creek Day Use parking area, a couple minute walk away. There is no drop off allowed at Smith Homestead except for the shuttle buses. Please walk from Jones Creek Day Use parking area to Smith Homestead.

• Elk Creek Aid Station - this area is somewhat tight for parking. Do your best and do not block the roadway!

• Idiot Creek Aid Station - ample parking at the newer Drift Creek Trailhead parking area.

• Limited access at Storey Burn Aid Station (Aid #4 & #6). Parking inside Storey Burn Trailhead is for race officials and aid station volunteers ONLY. Crew parking is prohibited inside Storey Burn Trailhead. There will be signed roadside parking along ONE SIDE of Storey Burn Road designated before and after the trailhead entrance. County Sheriff WILL be patrolling this location on race day, please park safely and respectfully in approved roadside areas only, ensuring emergency egress at all times.

• Finish area at Reehers Camp

Download the Crew Guide prior to the race:

Drop Bags

Drop bags must be left at Reehers Camp during bib pickup. Drop bags may not be left at the Start! Bags are allowed at Elk Creek Aid Station #2 and Storey Burn Aid Station #4 & #6:

• SIZE: Drop bag size must be no larger than a shoe bag, should be water resistant, made of durable material and weigh 5lbs or less. Bags that are too large or heavy will not be accepted and will not go the requested aid station. 

• LABEL: Write your bib number and aid station name (Elk Creek or Storey Burn), in large bold writing on your drop bags. 

• RETURN: Please consider that drop bags will not be returned back to your race staging area until the aid station shuts down after race sweepers arrive. Have your crew grab your drop bags from the aid station if possible.

• CONTENTS: Do not store valuables in drop bags! The race is not responsible for missing, damaged, lost or stolen drop bags or contents.

• FORGOTTEN BAGS: Please note we do not ship or deliver forgotten drop bags. You can arrange to pick up forgotten drop bags from us if we have them.

Pacers

The event permit does not allow pacers.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are allowed.

Weather

Check the latest local weather here.

Daylight Info

AM Twilight Begins: 5:10am
Sunrise: 5:45am
Sunset: 8:35pm
PM Twilight Ends: 9:10pm

Cancellations

See the Daybreak Racing Cancellation Policy.

This event is located entirely on the Tillamook State Forest, managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry. In accordance with State and Federal law and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. ODF is an equal opportunity provider and employer.