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Built on bad decisions in Boulder, CO.

McDonald Forest 50K Trail Run

Basic Listing
  1. Corvallis Area Trail Runners
  2. 2026 Edition

Oregon's old-school forest gem, run since 1996 through OSU's McDonald Forest

Directions
DeadlineApril 28, 2026
This event took place on May 02, 2026

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All trail races in Oregon→
May 02, 2026
Saturday 8:00am PDT start
Corvallis, OR
United States
31.8 miles
Loop Course
8,060 ft
Elevation Gain
Open Registration
No lottery
No Service Requirement
Does not require trail or volunteer work
No Qualifier
No qualifier race required
Challenging
Some ultra experience recommended
Links
WebsiteFacebook
1996
Established
300
Field Size
97%
Finish Rate
3:54 M
Course Record

What Makes It Great

The McDonald Forest 50K is one of Oregon's oldest and most beloved ultramarathons, winding through the singletrack trails and logging roads of OSU's McDonald Forest just north of Corvallis. The course starts and finishes at the historic Forestry Cabin in Peavy Arboretum, climbing through the forested hills to McCulloch Peak—the highest point in the forest at 2,133 feet—before returning through a series of named trails known for their smooth, pine needle-cushioned surfaces. With 21+ miles of maintained singletrack and 10+ miles of scenic logging roads, runners experience the full character of this beloved community forest across 6,500 feet of cumulative gain. Five aid stations and crew access at Lewisburg Saddle provide ample support throughout the loop. Organized by Corvallis Area Trail Runners, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all proceeds support local high school cross-country teams, the Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit, and OSU Research Forest.

Difficulty

Intermediate
4/10

Some ultra experience recommended

Steep Climbing
Variable Weather
Remote Terrain

Race Highlights

Oregon's second-oldest ultramarathon
Running continuously since 1996, The Mac is one of the most storied community trail races in the Pacific Northwest
100% community-charity race
All proceeds support local high school cross-country teams, Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit, and OSU Research Forest
McCulloch Peak summit
Climbs to the highest point in McDonald Forest at 2,133 feet with views across the Cascades and Coast Range
Pine needle-cushioned finish
The final descent is a smooth, pine needle-lined singletrack trail—one of the sweetest race finishes in Oregon trail running
Legendary milestone awards
Earn a ceramic mug at 5 finishes, a plate at 10, a bowl at 15, an urn at 20, a Holy Grail at 25, and a special mug at 30—a beloved tradition since the race's founding

Finish Awards

Finisher Beer
All finishers 21 and older receive a finisher beer from Oregon Trail Brewery
Top Finisher Ceramic Stein
Top 3 overall and top 3 masters (male and female) each receive a ceramic stein/mug
Age Group Ceramic Mug
Age group winners receive a commemorative ceramic mug
Milestone Finisher Awards
5-year: ceramic mug; 10-year: plate; 15-year: bowl; 20-year: urn; 25-year: holy grail; 30-year: special mug — awarded at runner check-in for those reaching that milestone
Prize Money
$100 each to 1st overall male and female; $100 each to 1st masters male and female; $50 for breaking any course or age group record

McDonald Forest 50K Trail Run

Corvallis, OR, United StatesMay 02, 2026

May 02, 2026
Course map for McDonald Forest 50K Trail Run
DistDistance31.8 mi
GainElevation Gain8,060 ft
Steep ClimbingVariable WeatherRemote Terrain

Entry Timeline

Registration DeadlineApril 28, 2026
Race DayMay 02, 2026

Lottery

This event uses open registration - no lottery entry required.

Qualifier

This event does not require a qualifier for entry.

Service Requirement

This race does not have a service requirement for entry.

Terrain

Surface Types
Singletrack67%
Forest Road33%
31.8 mi
Distance
Loop
Route
1,276 ft
Average Elevation
8,060 ft
Total Ascent
8,060 ft
Total Descent
2,162 ft
High Point
558 ft
Low Point
Course map
Launch Course Explorer

Aid Stations

LocationMileElevation
Start
Start
0.0545 ft
Lewisburg Saddle
Aid Station
6.2965 ft
Dimple
Aid Station
9.31,506 ft
Narnia
Aid Station
14.1892 ft
McCulloch Peak
Aid Station
19.82,162 ft
Lewisburg Saddle
Aid Station
26.5965 ft
Finish
Finish
31.8545 ft

Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.

No Dogs Allowed
No on-site camping available

Crew Access Points

Pacer Rules

No Pacers Allowed

Crew Rules

  • Crew may access at Lewisburg Saddle (Aid Station #1 at mile 6.24 and Aid Station #5 at mile 26.46). Parking is limited; see the 2026 Crewing Directions PDF on the race website for turn-by-turn directions.
Weather
Rain/Wet Conditions

May racing in Oregon's Coast Range foothills brings frequent rain and muddy trail conditions; expect wet singletrack and slick logging road sections

Rapid Weather Changes

Spring weather can shift rapidly; temperatures may range from cold and wet to warm and sunny on race day

Gear Rules

Required Gear

No required gear specified

Recommended Gear

No recommended gear specified

Featured Videos

McDonald Forest 50K: A Gnarly and Grubby Trail Run
McDonald Forest 50K: A Gnarly and Grubby Trail Run
Thomas Tan Ultra•2022

Race Reports

McDonald Forest 50k Race Report
By NW Dirt Churners • 2025
Conquering the Wilderness: Inside the 2024 McDonald Forest 50k Trail Run Adventure
By Run Oregon Blog • 2024

Reviews

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Register•May 02, 2026