Headwaters Trail Runs

Trail Running in the Klamath Mountains

The Headwaters Trail Runs take place in the Klamath Mountains west of Mount Shasta City, California. This event features three distances that traverse the rugged terrain near the headwaters of the Sacramento River, providing views of Mt. Shasta and Mt. Eddy.

Participants can choose from the following distances:

• 52 km: A mountainous loop on single-track trails and forest roads with 8,000 feet of gain.
• 34 km: A loop course on single-track trails and forest roads with 4,000 feet of gain.
• 10 km: A loop on the Lake Siskiyou Trail with 400 feet of elevation gain.

The 52 km and 34 km courses utilize the historic Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail, winding through mountain landscapes and forest environments. The 10 km route consists of a dirt path around the shores of Lake Siskiyou, including a short paved crossing over the Box Canyon Dam.

This is a cupless event, requiring runners to carry their own hydration vessels for use at fully-stocked aid stations. All finishers receive a commemorative t-shirt and a unique medal. After the race, an organic meal is provided for all participants. The event operates under special use permits from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and local authorities, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Mt. Shasta High School cross-country team. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.