We were curious about which FKT routes in Oregon were the most competitive – which ones had the most attempts and take downs over the years. Here’s what we found:
1. Timberline Trail, 40 miles, 10,000 feet elevation gain
Circling Oregon’s tallest peak, Mt Hood, the Timberline trail is a favorite for obvious reasons. Tricky river crossings and blowdown can make this route extra challenging. The earliest supported women’s FKT of 7 hours, 15 minutes, dates back to 1982 and was set by Lynn Harmon. The current supported FKT of 7 hours, 2 minutes, is held by Ladia Albertson-Junkans. The unsupported FKT of 8 hours, 25 minutes, is held by Rachel Entrekin. The unsupported record has been broken five times. Tyler Green holds the men’s record of 6 hours, 10 minutes.
2. Pacific Crest Trail through Oregon, 453 miles, 57,000 feet elevation gain
The PCT is a favorite trail running destination given its buttery singletrack and epic mountain views. The Oregon section is the second most competitive FKT route, with the current women’s record standing at 7 days, 19 hours, and 23 minutes by Emily Halnon (read her excellent story about this effort here). Her effort was the third time this record had been broken. Her FKT is also the overall FKT, as the men’s record is 7 days, 22 hours, and 37 minutes by Brian Donnelly.
3. Deschutes River Railbed Trail, 23.1 miles, 367 feet elevation gain
Running through a desert canyon, the Deschutes River rail trail is a popular spring destination when the rain gets overwhelming on the wetter side of the state. This route’s women’s FKT is 3 hours, 21 minutes, set by Anna Eshelman in May of 2023, breaking the record for the 3rd time. The men’s record is 2 hours, 48 minutes by Stephen Snazuk.
And there you have it – the three most competitive FKTs in terms of record takedowns in Oregon. Will these FKTs fall this year? Are there any routes you think should be included in this list?