Gorge Waterfalls 50K
April 13, 2025
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 Wahkeena Day Use Area, up Wahkeena Falls, 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.
The race includes four aid stations, with one offering drop bag access and two offering crew access.
Race Day Schedule
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Bib Pickup & Check-In: 6:00AM-6:55AM at Marine Park Pavilion
Shuttle Pick Up at Marine Park: Starts at 7:00AM, buses depart by 7:15AM
Shuttle Drop Off: 7:40AM at Wahkeena Day Use Area
Runners may be dropped off by car at Wahkeena Day Use for the start, but spectators/crew shall not park or remain at the start area due to very limited space.
Start Time: 8:00AM for Wave 1 at Wahkeena Day Use Area.
There will be four waves of starters departing at 5 minute intervals thereafter, at 8:05AM for Wave 2, 8:10AM for Wave 3 and 8:15AM for Wave 4.
Cut Offs On Course (based on the start time of the FINAL WAVE at 8:15AM):
12:45PM at Aid Station 2, mile 15.0
2:30PM at Aid Station 3, mile 20.6
4:30PM at Aid Station 4, mile 28.1
5:15PM at the Finish Line (9 hours for final wave to finish).
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 31.8 miles.
Aid Stations
The 50K includes four aid stations staffed with enthusiastic, experienced volunteers. All aid stations will be well stocked with: water, Gnarly Nutrition Fuel2O energy drink, Coke, 7up, ginger ale, Spring Energy gels*, 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.
*There is a LIMIT OF 2 SPRING ENERGY GELS per aid station pass per runner. If you need more than 2 energy gels per aid station pass, please carry your own or have more in your drop bags. This is to ensure all runners have access to energy gels and they aren’t all taken by faster runners.
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 | Total Distance (mi) | To Next Aid (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 | 12:45PM |
| #3 - Cascade Locks | 20.6 | 7.5 | Yes | No | Yes | 2:30PM |
| #4 - Cascade Locks (2) | 28.1 | 3.2 | Yes | No | Yes | 4:30PM |
| Finish - Marine Park | 31.3 | -- | Yes | -- | Yes | 5:15PM |
Shuttle
Most runners opt to ride the shuttle buses to the race start.
Runners may choose wear their warmups to the start line. Please leave warmups in a small drop bag on the drop bag tarp and we will return all items to the finish area after the 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 be dropped off at the Start Line but crew/supporters may not park or remain at the start area. 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 at the western end of Cascade Locks ONLY. DO NOT PARK on neighborhood streets or at the PCT trailhead where the aid station is located. Park on Wa Na Pa Street and walk the short 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).
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.