50 Miler

The Rogue Gorge 50 Miler is a super scenic and beautiful point-to-point, downstream course, and is 99% singletrack trail! The route travels along the rim of the Upper Rogue Wild & Scenic River for the entire route, involving 50.2 miles with 4000 ft. of ascent and 5900 ft. of descent. There are 6 aid stations along the course, which are all crew accessible. 

The first 30 miles of the course is composed of mostly fast, gently rolling trail with a net descent. The trails are extremely runnable but more primitive backcountry-style singletrack with many minor, punchy climbs mixed in continuously. The latter 20 miles is less hilly and on more developed (wider) and fast trail, with a trail surface characterized by an intermittent assortment of smooth dirt trail, technical basalt lava rock and some roots— the technical sections later in the course will test your quick footwork and demand your focus, but are super fun and beautiful :)

Race Day Timeline

• RACE DATE: Saturday, October 18, 2025

• CHECK-IN: 5:00-6:10AM @ Union Creek Picnic Shelter

• SHUTTLE BUS DEPARTS: 6:15AM @ Union Creek Wayside.

• RACE START: 7:00AM at Mazama View Trailhead

• FINISH: Union Creek Day Use Picnic Shelter

• CUT OFF 1: 1:30PM at Big Bend Aid #3 (Mile 25.9)

• CUT OFF 2: 3:30PM at Woodruff Aid #5 (Mile 36.5)

• CUT OFF 3: 6:00PM at Woodruff Aid #6 (Mile 42.8)

• FINISH CUT OFF: 8:00PM.

Shuttle to Start

ALL runners are required to ride the shuttle buses from the Union Creek staging area up to the start line at Mazama View Trailhead. No drop offs or crew/spectators are allowed at the start line. The shuttle trip is approximately 25 minutes.

Course Map & Profile

• Click on the course map image to open/save a high resolution copy.

• INTERACTIVE MAP: Click HERE for an interactive course map in Caltopo.

• GPX DATA: Click HERE for a .gpx data file of the course.

• ELEVATION CHANGE: The course involves approximately 4000’ of ascent and 5900’ of descent.

Aid Stations

The 50 miler has six aid stations and will be well supported with enthusiastic and experienced volunteers!  Be sure to express your appreciation for their support during the race. Professional medical support personnel will be present along the course throughout race day. 

All Daybreak races are CUPLESS, so be sure to bring your own cup for liquid at aid stations. 

All aid stations will be stocked with water, Gnarly Nutrition’s Fuel₂O energy drink (200 cal per 20 oz., plus electrolytes!), soda and other standard ultra fare, including fruit, pbj sandwiches, Spring Energy gels, as well as basic first aid supplies. 

Crew Access

A printable Crew Guide will be posted here in spring/summer 2025.

Crew and spectators are welcome at ALL the aid stations but not at the Start Line at Mazama View Trailhead. Please be sure to park respectfully in day use parking areas or on available roadside areas that do not block emergency vehicle egress, event staff, general vehicle access or the race course.

Please print the Crew Guide in advance, as there is no internet in the area and we do not have the capacity to field ongoing questions from crew on race day.

Pacers

The event permit does not allow pacers.

Weather

Check the latest local weather here.

Drop Bags

Drop bags will be available at Hamaker Meadow Aid Station 1, Big Bend Aid Station 3 and Woodruff Aid Station 5/6.

• SIZE: One drop bag per runner, smaller than a 20L daypack, water resistant and made of durable material. Bags that are too large or heavy will not be accepted or delivered to the aid station. 

• LABEL: Arrive to the race with a pre-made label adhered/attached to your drop bag that includes your first name, last name and bib number in large bold permanent writing. (By race week, your bib # is next to your name on the Ultrasignup participant)

• RETURN: Drop bags are not be returned back to the race staging area until the aid station shuts down (see cutoffs in course chart) 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.

Course Detail

Start (Mazama View Trailhead) to Aid Station 1 (Hamaker Meadow): 

Shuttle drop off runners up at the Mazama View Trailhead (also known as Boundary Springs Trailhead) off Hwy 230, not far from the headwaters of the Rogue River a couple miles away inside Crater Lake National Park. From the start, runners begin their journey along the Upper Rogue River Trail on a swift, flowing descent through lodgepole pine forest recovering from the 2015 National Creek Fire. With half a mile, the trail reaches the pumice rim above the Rogue River. The trail generally stays surprisingly close along the canyon rim, offering amazing views down to the river below. The dramatic white pumice cliffs are hundreds of feet tall here, deposited during the massive eruption of Mt. Mazama that led to the formation of Crater Lake approximately 7,700 years ago. At about mile 5, the trail abruptly drops off the river canyon rim and descends down to the river’s edge. The forest ecosystem transitions rapidly from lodgepole pine to deep mountain forest of colossal Douglas fir, sugar pine and ponderosa pine, evidence of the cooler, more moist conditions provided by the river. For the next couple miles, the trail here is very primitive due to many years of lack of access and maintenance. The exquisite whitewater and pristine opalescence of the Wild & Scenic Rogue River, including a couple glorious waterfalls more than compensates however. At about mile 7.5, the trail gradually ascends out of the river canyon along the smooth, forested rim, where the trail mellows back into a flowing dirt ribbon, crossing a forest road at mile 8.75 before reaching Hamaker Trailhead at mile 9.5 and its extensive, beautiful meadow. Drops bags, crew access and portable toilet at Hamaker Meadow Aid Station #1 at mile 9.5.

Aid Station 1 (Hamaker Meadow) to Aid Station 2 (County Line):

Runners cross a large footbridge over the Rogue River at Hamaker Meadow and aid station, then spend nearly all of the next segment along the east bank of the river. Departing the aid station, the trail gently climbs through forest and the trail gently undulates, with pocked views of the river throughout. At mile 11.5, the trail crosses a small stream, Hurryon Creek, then begins a minor climb, where the trail hugs the cliff edge, offering some impressive views down to the river below and across the forest. After another mile, the trail descends back down to river level at a dramatic sharp bend in the river at a cool water fall and popular fishing hole on the far side of the river near Highway 230. From this bend, the trail hugs the river along a steep bank few a couple miles, before gradually climbing again to reach the top of some dramatic pumice cliffs, where some of the most extensive forest and downriver views are seen—truly a stunning sight. Be careful here, as the trail is surprisingly close to the cliff edge due to natural erosion of the soft pumice. From this high vantage, the trail descends gradually through mixed forest down to the river’s edge once again, passing through the remnants of an old bygone logging camp, crossing National Creek at about mile 16.5 on a huge old log footbridge (be careful at the crossing, as the railing has long since rotted away). After National Creek, the trail continues along the river for 3/4 of a mile then reaches National Creek Road, a paved forest road. The course turns right off the trail onto the paved forest road to cross the road bridge over the river, then another 100 yards or so and a left turn to rejoin the Upper Rogue River Trail. Another 1/4 mile along the trail is County Line Trailhead at mile 17.6. Crew access and portable toilet available.

Aid Station 2 (County Line) to Aid Station 3 (Big Bend):

Departing County Line Trailhead, the course makes some minor undulating punchy climbs then at mile 19, crosses Highway 230. Use extreme caution at the highway crossing, as traffic DOES NOT STOP. All runners are required to stop before the Highway 230 crossing, look both ways and cross only when safe to do so. The trail picks up right after the highway crossing, then descends for half a mile down to a stream ford at Foster Creek. The creek is shallow and gently flowing, approximately mid-shin deep at the deepest spot. Veer right after the creek crossing across a river rock and sand bar to reach a trail signpost to pick up the trail. From here, the trail undulates through big forest and several small meadows, with small springs and seasonal stream crossings. Some of the old footbridges and bog bridges here are in disrepair but not any kind of safety issue at all. The remaining 4 miles of this segment is characterized by intermittent meadows, deep big forest and riverside glory. The trail is pretty chill, yet truly magnificent through here, with the river mostly lazy but silently beautiful too. The gratitude and joy of still feeling good at the halfway point of the race along the Upper Rogue River Trail is really felt here. Runners arrive at Big Bend Aid Station #3 at mile 25.9. Crew access, drop bags and portable toilet available.

Aid Station 3 (Big Bend) to Aid Station 4 (Natural Bridge): Runners leave Big Bend on a short roadbed, turn left on a short trail to reach a main gravel forest road, turn left onto the gravel forest road for 100 yards, then pick back up on the Upper Rogue River Trail on righthand side of the road. The course undulates high above the river for 6 miles, through deep hillside forest, with intermittent views of the river from above. At mile 30.7 the course fords Flat Creek, a super shallow but broad creek bed (no more than ankle deep). Continuing downstream a couple miles, the trail veers right at a trail junction, then in another mile reaches the Natural Bridge interpretive area. This famous area showcases where the entire Rogue River gets swallowed into an underground lava tube, then springs back up to the surface a hundred yards downstream! Cross the gorgeous arched footbridge back to the east side of the river to reach Natural Bridge Aid Station at mile 33.3. Crew access available.

Aid Station 4 (Natural Bridge) to Aid Station 5 (Woodruff Bridge): From Natural Bridge, runners turn right and continue downstream along the URRT for a bit over 3 miles to Woodruff Bridge Day Use Area, crossing a paved forest road (use caution and look both ways before crossing) to reach the aid station. You’ll find the river’s character shifts constantly from loud and raging one minute, then silent and gently flowing the next. The trail does the same, with a fast, buttery dirt single track flowing for a while, then some quick punchy and technical basalt lava rock sections. Woodruff Bridge is a nice picnic site with lots of crew parking, at mile 36.5. Forest Service vault toilets, crew access and drop bags available.

Aid Station 5 (Woodruff Bridge) to Aid Station 6 (Woodruff Bridge): Past Woodruff, runners continue downstream along the URRT through more ancient old growth forest along the river. The fall foliage is insanely vibrant through this area in particular. The trail is noticeably more technical basalt lava section throughout this section, especially while passing the incrediblt beautiful Takelma Gorge, a deep, narrow chasm where the entire river is heaved around a tight 90 degree turn, where huge old logs are tossed up on the riverbank like toothpicks during the highest flows of spring melt out. At the downstream end of Takelma Gorge, there is a signed turnaround point on the course. Runners return upstream from the way they came on the URRT. Savor this serenely forested section of sugar pine, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest. Look for the sugar pine’s gigantic cones lying around along the trail, some reaching 1.5 feet long…the biggest cones of any conifer in the world! Returning upstream along the Upper Rogue River Trail, runners travel back along the river from a different angle and perspective, enabling views they may have missed on the way out of Takelma Gorge on the way back up to the final aid station at Woodruff Bridge, Aid Station #6, mile 42.8. Crew access, Forest Service vault toilets, drop bags available.

Aid Station 6 (Natural Bridge) to Finish: Departing Woodruff Bridge Aid Station, runners travel the 3+ miles back up to the Natural Bridge area (no aid station this time), then turn right onto the Rogue Gorge Trail, briefly paved to the Natural Bridge Day Use and interpretive area (vault toilets available here). The trail then turns back to dirt singletrack, skirting along the river next to Natural Bridge campground. Runners continue upstream past the Natural Bridge campground on the Rogue Gorge Trail for a bit over a mile and will veer to the right past a cool looking big silver footbridge. Stay right here and do not cross the footbridge. The trail follows the river for another 1.5 miles, then enters the Union Creek Campground. At the Union Creek footbridge, the course veers left over the footbridge, then veers left again to stay on the Rogue Gorge Trail and travels upstream between the river and the Union Creek Campground, then some forest cabins for a mile or so, then climbs briefly to reach the Rogue Gorge Day Use and Interpretive Site. The Rogue Gorge itself is truly magnificient, where the entire river is squeezed into a deep rocky chasm of boiling, churning and raging water below seems surreal. The course makes a hard right turn on the paved trail, crosses the Rogue Gorge Day Use parking area to gain a short segment of trail, then veers right onto a gravel road to enter the Union Creek Picnic Area for the glorious finish!

Cancellations

See the Daybreak Racing Cancellation Policy.

This event is located on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. 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.