North Bend’s Prefontaine Memorial Run tracks the legacy of Steve Prefontaine, Oregon’s revered distance runner, through a striking 10K trail that winds from the city into the rugged embrace of the Oregon coast range. Covering approximately 6.2 miles with an elevation gain near 700 feet, the route blends dense evergreens with sudden glimpses of distant hills, making it an engaging run or hike for both casual adventurers and seasoned trail runners.

Starting at the Prefontaine Memorial outside North Bend High School, the trail challenges with a series of gradual climbs and descents over gravel and packed dirt. The terrain demands steady footing and focused pacing, especially on uneven sections where tree roots and occasional loose rocks stake their claim. Forest stands, stoic and quietly demanding, form a lush canopy giving shade that cools the air, interrupted only by birdsong and the occasional rustle of small mammals sizing you up.

On clear days, the route opens up at crests offering sweeping views where the Pacific Ocean shows itself in shimmering hints beyond the hills. These moments are brief respites, places to catch your breath and mark progress. Streams, cool and rushing with purpose, cross under footbridges daring you to keep moving despite fatigue. They aren’t obstacles but allies, setting the rhythm.

Timing your run or hike here matters. Early morning light cuts sharp shadows and finds the birds at peak chatter, while afternoons bring a warming breeze off the ocean, pushing back the forest’s stillness. Rain is frequent in coastal Oregon, so waterproof gear and solid shoes with grip mean the difference between confident steps and cautious shuffles.

Hydration matters: the effort and elevation require replenishing every mile or so. The trail lacks consistent water sources, so carry enough. Footwear should be trail-specific—firm soles with flexible support—to handle dips and rises that challenge ankles and knees. For those new to trail running or hiking, walk the steeper sections to pace stamina without burning out.

Prefontaine Memorial Run offers more than physical activity; it’s a direct connection to a fiercely individual spirit, a living tribute to endurance both mental and physical. The environment is as much a participant as the runner—forests listen, currents push, hills watch, all intact and demanding respect.

Whether you seek a vigorous training run, a robust morning hike, or a link to local history, this route delivers. Plan for around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on pace, and bring purpose along with preparation. This trail invites you not just to move through it but to engage fully with a landscape fiercely itself.