Welcome to Thunder River!

We are thrilled to share these new courses across the iconic Columbia River Gorge! With a purely point-to-point 25K race and mostly point-to-point 50K, world class scenery, fall colors and epic views, Thunder River doesn’t cease to amaze. Each race course travels along the iconic Pacific Crest Trail and Gorge 400 trail before cruising under the Bridge of the Gods into the town of Cascade Locks. Both races conclude with a trail loop around Thunder Island surrounded by the mighty Columbia River, culminating with the finish at Marine Park. We simply can’t think of a better way to close out our event season!

Thunder River is staged at Marine Park in Cascade Locks, Oregon, nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. This event offers the perfect trail race getaway before winter weather sets in, while also serving as a great counterpoint to our other highly anticipated race here, Gorge Waterfalls.

Registration

Registration fee prices do not include any applicable taxes, Ultrasignup processing fees or race swag such as t-shirts.

Laughs, smiles, hugs and high fives are free. The registration fee includes a beautiful, fully marked race course (by your Race Directors), cool staging venue, chip timing, live results, full service aid stations, professional medical support, radio communications, post race food and beverages, custom finisher awards, professional photography and several other essential services and requirements we don't need to mention. 

Cancellation Policy

Please review the Daybreak Racing Cancellation Policy if you have questions about race credit or withdrawing from the race. 

Shuttle Bus Fee

There is a $10 shuttle fee for runners that need a ride to the start line from the staging area at Marine Park. Please ensure you purchase the shuttle bus pass during registration if you plan to ride the bus to the start. This helps us determine how many buses to reserve.

Pro/Elite Runners

We reserve a limited number of entries for professional athletes. Email us if you earn all or some of your living racing on trails and have a competitive resumé.

Presenting Sponsor

Event Sponsors

Getting Here

Location

The event is staged from the Marine Park Pavilion in Cascade Locks, Oregon, approximately 35-40 minute drive east of the Portland metro area.

Directions

Google Map directions to Marine Park from Portland.

Airport

Nearest major airport is Portland Int’l Airport (PDX), 38 miles from the event staging area.

Parking

EVENT PARKING is at Marine Park surrounding the Pavilion. The Port of Cascade Locks has a $10 daily parking fee per vehicle, paid at this link. All parking fees go toward ongoing maintenance of Marine Park!

ADDITIONAL PARKING without a fee is available curbside along Wa Na Pa St., the main road through Cascade Locks.

CAUTION: Exceptionally tall vehicles must park out on Wa Na Pa St. in Cascade Locks to avoid the 12’0” clearance limit under the railroad trestle at the entrance to Marine Park.

Accommodations

CAMPING: Marine Park Campground at the west end of the park. Reservations must be made on one’s own, this location is not included in the event permit agreement. These are designated campsites suitable for small RVs/trailers/vans and cars. Remember the 12’0” clearance limit at the Marine Park entry.

HOTELS: Multiple options in Cascade Locks, each a few minutes walk or drive to the staging area at Marine Park. Many additional lodging options in the Portland metro area to the west, as well as in Hood River, 20 minutes east.

Race Day!

Boot Brushes

Use of our boot brushes is required by the US Forest Service for all participants and volunteers at race morning check-in and/or start line areas. Please ensure you use the boot brush so your shoes are clean of any potentially foreign/invasive weed seeds.

Weather

Check the latest local weather HERE from the National Weather Service and please come prepared for a range of fall weather! The Gorge is a famously turbulent place yearround.

Bib Pickup

Runners pick up their race bibs and prepaid swag inside the Pavilion at the Marine Park staging area only. There is no bib pickup at the race start at Wyeth Trailhead.

Shuttle Bus & Start Line

Riding the shuttle bus to the start is optional but encouraged. Runners can choose to be dropped off by friends/family at the race start at Wyeth Trailhead OR ride the shuttle buses from Marine Park on race morning. The shuttle ride is approximately 15 minutes.

Wyeth Trailhead has limited parking inside the trailhead and roadside parking AFTER the trailhead entrance only. We must ensure there is space for the buses to get through.

Note there is no shuttle back to the start from the finish. If you drove yourself to the start, you’re on your own to get back to your vehicle.

Post Race Celebration

Stay and enjoy the fun finish line vibes while we cheer on all the race finishers! A post race meal and beverages are available for all participants and volunteers, served inside the pavilion at the finish line area. Family and friends are welcome to purchase food and drinks in Cascade Locks and bring to the finish. 

Awards

Every participant receives a sweet custom award as they finish their race. A raffle of some awesome sponsor swag will be held while runners are out on the course! Prizes will be given to raffle winners as they finish their race.

General Info

Volunteers

We need volunteers to help support the runners. Once registration opens for runners, volunteer tasks will be available via Ultrasignup. Thank you!

Beneficiary

A portion of race proceeds will be donated to the non-profit Trailkeepers of Oregon. They are volunteer-based and actively involved in the rehabilitation, maintenance, planning and building of the trails used on the course as well as stewardship of trails throughout many regions of Oregon. For more info, visit their website at www.trailkeepersoforegon.org.

Daylight Info

AM Twilight Begins: 6:26AM
Sunrise: 6:57am
Sunset: 4:44pm
PM Twilight Ends: 5:15PM

Pet/Dog Policy

Due to the significant public use in the Gorge, dogs are not allowed on the course, at aid stations, or inside the Pavilion in Marine Park.

Well behaved, leashed dogs are allowed at the outdoor areas of Marine Park staging area under owner control. Aggressive or loud dogs shall leave event and not return.

Social Media

Updates, photos and other race-related info will be posted on the Daybreak Racing Instagram page.

Race Swag

Our race t-shirts and hats are from Territory Run Co., based in Portland, Oregon! The shirts are super cozy and casual with the race logo on the front. Race hats are made of soft and light moisture-wicking materials with the race logo.

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.  This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.