100K Course Details

The Rogue Gorge 100K is a super scenic and beautiful point-to-point, downstream course from Diamond Lake, the “Gem of the Cascades” down to Union Creek Historic District, traveling mostly along the rim of the Upper Rogue Wild & Scenic River. The course involves 62.5 miles with 5200 ft. of ascent and 7100 ft. of descent. There are 9 aid stations along the course, 7 of which are full service and crew accessible! 

The course is characterized as very runnable overall, with many mid-course miles on primitive, narrow backcountry-style singletrack. The course includes many minor, punchy climbs, with the latter miles are less hilly, more heavily used but also exhibit some extended sections of technical basalt lava rock and roots. The course is exceptionally serene, isolated and well supported. The fall colors popping on the back, lower half of the course are world class too :)

Race Day Timeline

• RACE DATE: Saturday, October 9, 2027

• CHECK-IN/BIB PICKUP: Friday 5:00-6:30PM @ Union Creek Day Use Area is MANDATORY. No bib pickup at race start.

• SHUTTLE BUS (Optional): 4:15AM departure @ Union Creek Wayside; 40 min ride to Diamond Lake start line.

• RACE START: 5:30AM at Diamond Lake South Shore Picnic Pavilion

• FINISH LINE: Union Creek Day Use Area

• CUT OFFS: See chart below.

Shuttle to Start

The shuttle bus from the Union Creek staging area and finish line is OPTIONAL. Runners are NOT required to ride the shuttle buses from the Union Creek staging area up to the start line at Diamond Lake South Shore. Runners may be dropped off by their crew. The shuttle bus ride is approximately 40 minutes.

Please note there is no shuttle service back up to Diamond Lake from Union Creek staging area. If you leave your car there at the start, you are on your own getting back.

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: Approximately 5200’ of ascent and 7100’ of descent. (1585 meters ascent, 2165 meters descent)

Aid Stations

The race has nine aid stations, with 7 being full service and well-staffed with experienced, enthusiastic volunteers and supporters. The 2 unstaffed aid stations are hydration stops, offering water and Neversecond C30 Energy Drink. Please Bbe sure to express your appreciation for volunteer support throughout the race. Professional medical support personnel will be present along the course at aid stations and finish line throughout race day. 

• HYDRATION: Neversecond C30 sports drink (30g of carbohydrate & 200mg sodium per 500ml/17oz serving), water, Coke, ginger ale, Sprite.

• FOOD/NUTRITION: Neversecond C30 energy gels in multiple flavors (includes 200mg sodium per gel), PB&J sandwiches, cookies, various fresh fruit options, crackers, candy, potato chips, gummi snacks, trail mix, and a variety of other ultra fare. Later aid stations will have warm/savory options, including broth, quesadillas, mashed potatoes, etc.

Cupless Race:

All Daybreak races are CUPLESS. Be sure to carry your own drinking vessel/cup for liquids such as soda at the aid stations.

Crew Access

Please print the Crew Guide in advance, so you have a copy prior to race day. There is cell coverage at the race start only, but nowhere else on course.

Crew and spectators are welcome at ALL the aid stations except Aid Station 2 at Boundary Springs and Aid Station 4 at County Line due to space limitations.

Pacers

The event permit does not allow pacers.

Weather

Check the latest local weather here.

Drop Bags

Rogue Gorge 100K drop bags must be brought to race check-in/bib pickup at Union Creek Staging Area on Friday evening.

A runner may choose to have 1 drop bag each at the following aid stations: Three Lakes Aid Station 1; Hamaker Aid Station 3; Big Bend Aid Station 5; Woodruff Aid Station 7 & 9 (one bag accessed twice at Woodruff).

DROP BAG REQUIREMENTS:

• SIZE: One drop bag per allowed aid station per runner is allowed. Bag should be small—no larger than a shoe bag, less than a few pounds, water resistant and made of durable material. Bags that are too large, too heavy, leaking or disintegrating will NOT be accepted or delivered to the aid station. 

• LABEL: Arrive to the race staging area at check-in 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 list)

• 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 our warehouse if we have them.

Required Gear

ILLUMINATION: All runners leaving Woodruff Aid Station #7 after 4:30PM must leave with a working headlamp (or other effective illumination) and extra batteries. No exceptions.

NAVIGATION: All 100K runners are required to have the .gpx data file of the 100K race route uploaded to a navigation device (gps watch or app) and carry it with them for reference throughout the race. The .gpx file is available to download on this webpage or via the Caltopo race page.

Inclement Weather Gear Requirement

A mandatory gear requirement will be implemented if inclement weather is in the forecast for race day. If implemented, all participants will be notified via email by Thursday of race week with the mandatory gear list, which must be shown at check-in to receive your race bib. Required gear includes but is not limited to: waterproof jacket, headwear; minimum 400 calories of nutrition; minimum hydration capacity of 35 ounces or 1 liter; safety whistle;

Course Detail

Start (Mazama View Trailhead) to Aid Station 1 (Hamaker Meadow): Shuttle busses drop off runners up at the Mazama View Trailhead (also known as Boundary Springs Trailhead) off of 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 (URRT) 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 9.3 and its extensive, beautiful meadow. Drops bags, crew access and portable toilet at Hamaker Meadow Aid Station #1 at mile 9.3.

Aid Station 1 (Hamaker Meadow) to Aid Station 2 (County Line): Runners cross a large footbridge over the Upper 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 undulates, with pocket views of the rushing river throughout. At mile 11.5, the trail crosses a small stream, Hurryon Creek, then begins a minor but punchy climb, where the trail hugs the high pumice 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 looking waterfall and local fishing hole on the far side of the river near Highway 230. From this bend, the trail hugs the river along a steep bank for 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 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, entering a small recently burned area, 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 sharp LEFT turn to rejoin the Upper Rogue River Trail. Another 1/4 mile along the trail is County Line Trailhead at mile 17.1. Portable toilet available. County Line Aid Station is NOT a crew accessible location.

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 19ish, 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 very shallow and gently flowing, approximately above-the-ankle 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 old growth 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 and more primitive on this segment, yet truly lovely, with the river mostly lazy and silently beautiful. 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 25.2. 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 the righthand side of the road (watch out for passing crew vehicles). The course undulates high above the river for 6 miles, through deep hillside forest, with intermittent views of the river from above. At mile 30ish 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! Natural Bridge Aid Station is at mile 32.3. Crew access available.

Aid Station 4 (Natural Bridge) to Aid Station 5 (Woodruff Bridge): From Natural Bridge aid, runners immediately cross the gorgeous arched footbridge over to the east side of the river, then turn RIGHT and continue downstream along the Upper Rogue River Trail 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 roadside crew parking, at mile 35.5. Portable toilets, crew access and drop bags available.

Aid Station 5 (Woodruff Bridge) to Aid Station 6 (River 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 involves significantly more technical basalt lava rockbeds throughout this section, especially while passing the incredibly 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 the trail becomes more dirt and nontechnical again. There is a signed turnaround point on the course where the trail pops out at River Bridge Campground. This is also a water-only aid station, at mile 39.5.

Aid Station 6 (River Bridge) to Aid Station 7 (Woodruff Bridge #2): Runners turn around at River Bridge to 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, portable toilets, drop bags available.

Aid Station 7 (Woodruff Bridge) to Finish: Departing Woodruff Bridge Aid Station, runners travel the 3+ miles back up toward the Natural Bridge area (no aid station), 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.