Gorge Waterfalls 50K
April 16, 2027
50K
The 50K course offers an amazing west to east scenic tour through the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The course is mostly a point-to-point route, beginning at Multnomah Falls Lodge plaza, traveling up Wahkeena Falls, back over to Multnomah Falls, then upriver mostly along the Gorge 400 Trail and some sections of the paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Scenic Trail all the way to Cascade Locks. From Cascade Locks the course goes out on the Pacific Crest Trail before turning around at Pacific Crest Falls, then finishes going through the town of Cascade Locks, under the Bridge of the Gods and into Marine Park for the finish. Awe-inspiring views and incredible trails await along this challenging but runnable course!
The trails feature a variety of surface types, primarily rocky, somewhat technical singletrack mixed with some smooth dirt singletrack sections. The course is generally very runnable, with many punchy hill climbs and some very rocky technical sections especially through the many open talus slopes. There are intermittent sections of paved pedestrian/bike path connectors and some rural road shoulder sections to connect some of the main trail segments. Out-of-towners often downplay the difficulty of this course due to it's low elevation environment, but don’t be fooled—the Gorge regularly chews runners up and spits them out!
The race includes four aid stations, with one offering drop bag access and two offering crew access.
Race Day Schedule
Friday, April 16, 2027
Bib Pickup & Check-In: 5:00AM-5:55AM at Marine Park Pavilion
Shuttle Buses (OPTIONAL): 6:00AM departure. Shuttle bus is OPTIONAL. Drop off by car is allowed only in the Multnomah Falls I-84 parking lot only, and NOT in the lot next to the Multnomah Falls Lodge along the Historic Columbia River Hwy.
Shuttle Drop Off: 6:25AM at Multnomah Falls I-84 parking area, then walk to Multnomah Falls Lodge for race start.
Start Time: 7:00AM for Wave 1 at Multnomah Falls Lodge.
There will be four waves of starters departing at 2 minute intervals thereafter, at 7:02AM for Wave 2, 7:04AM for Wave 3 and 7:06AM for Wave 4.
Cut Offs are based on the start time of the FINAL WAVE:
11:45AM at Aid Station 2, mile 15.0
1:30PM at Aid Station 3, mile 20.6
3:30PM at Aid Station 4, mile 28.1
4:15PM at the Finish Line.
Course Map
INTERACTIVE MAP: Click “Open in CalTopo” for a full window map, where you can change layers, zoom in and out, view elevation profile, etc.
GPX DATA: Click HERE for a .gpx data file of the course.
Elevation Change
The course includes approximately 5,800’ of elevation gain and 5,800’ of loss over 31.3 miles.
Aid Stations
The 50K includes four aid stations staffed with enthusiastic, experienced volunteers. All aid stations will be well stocked with: Neversecond gels and hydration drink, water, soda, PB&J sandwiches, cookies, various fresh fruit options, potato chips, gummi snacks, trail mix and a variety of other ultra fare and basic first aid supplies.
All Daybreak races are CUPLESS.
Be sure to bring your own reusable drinking vessel/cup for liquids such as soda at aid stations.
Most aid stations will also have medical personnel present with a full compliment of emergency response and first aid equipment.
| Aid Station | Distance (mi) | Segment (mi) | Crew | Drop Bag | Toilet | Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Wahkeena Day Use Area | 0 | 7.8 | No | -- | Yes | -- |
| #1 - Ainsworth | 7.8 | 7.2 | No | No | Yes | -- |
| #2 - Wahclella | 15.0 | 5.6 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 11:45AM |
| #3 - Cascade Locks | 20.6 | 7.5 | Yes | No | Yes | 1:30PM |
| #4 - Cascade Locks (2) | 28.1 | 3.2 | Yes | No | Yes | 3:30PM |
| Finish - Marine Park | 31.3 | -- | Yes | -- | Yes | 4:15PM |
Start Line Travel
Shuttle Bus Option
Riding the shuttle buses from Marine Park to the race start at Multnomah Falls is OPTIONAL and not required. A shuttle pass is available for purchase during registration for $15. Passes are picked up during bib pickup. Buses will depart at 6:00AM from Marine Park for the 15-20 min ride to the Multnomah Falls I-84 parking lot, where participants will walk the short distance to the Lodge.
Drop Off Option
Runners with their own ride may be dropped off at the Multnomah Falls I-84 parking lot ONLY, then walk the short distance to the start area in front of the Lodge. No drop offs allowed in the Historic Columbia River Hwy parking lot in front of the lodge.
Warm Ups
Runners may choose wear their warmups to the start line area. Please leave warmups in a small bag on the drop bag tarp and we will return all items to the finish area at the Marine Park Pavilion after the race start.
Crew
Crew/supporters are welcome to come support their runner at Wahclella Aid Station (#2), Cascade Locks Aid Station (#3 & 4) and the Finish area only. Runners may NOT be dropped off at the Start Line. No crew access at Ainsworth Aid Station— under no circumstances may crew or spectators access this location at any time.
Google Map Driving Directions from Marine Park staging area:
Wahclella Aid Station: https://goo.gl/maps/gHDGuDeC5ZUB8KtZ6
ALL CREW PARKING is at the Tooth Rock Trailhead (no fee) parking area, 0.3 miles up Star Route Rd. Do not park along the narrow Star Route Rd., or risk ticket/tow. Walk 0.3 miles back to Wahclella from Tooth Rock TH on the Historic Columbia River Hwy State Trail (bike path) or Star Route Road to the aid station. The aid station is on the historic State Trail bridge over Tanner Creek. There is no fee to park at Tooth Rock Trailhead.
Cascade Locks Aid Station: https://goo.gl/maps/7AhiYFxgjhC6pxAp8
ALL CREW PARKING is on Wa Na Pa Street in Cascade Locks ONLY. DO NOT PARK on neighborhood streets or at the PCT trailhead where the aid station is located. Parking is on Wa Na Pa Street only, then walk the two blocks up the hill to the aid station location. There is no fee to park on Wa Na Pa Street.
Drop Bags
Drop bags will be available at Wahclella Aid Station (#2). 50K drop bags may be dropped at either the Thursday PM bib pickup at Gorges Beer, or on race morning at Marine Park only. DO NOT bring drop bags to the start line at Multnomah Falls.
Rules for Drop Bags:
SIZE: Drop bag size must be smaller than a 20L day bag, made of durable, water-resistant material. Bags that are too large will not be accepted and will not go the requested aid station.
LABEL: Write your first name, last name and bib number in large bold permanent ink on your drop bags.
RETURN: Please consider that drop bags will not be returned back to Marine Park 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 50K race does not allow pacers.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are allowed.
Cancellations
See the Daybreak Racing Cancellation Policy.
This event is located on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.