Thunder River 25K
November 8, 2025
25K
The Thunder River 25K course is a glorous point-to-point course through the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Beginning at Wyeth Trailhead, the course travels downriver mostly along big sections of the Gorge 400 Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and a section of the paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Scenic Trail before finishing with a loop around Thunder Island at Marine Park in Cascade Locks. World-class views, incredible trails and some epic waterfalls 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 a section of paved pedestrian/bike path and sidewalk through town in Cascade Locks in the later miles of the course.
The race includes two aid stations, with the second offering crew access for your cheering section to see you!
Race Day Schedule
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Bib Pickup & Check-In Opens: 6:00AM inside Marine Park Pavilion
Shuttle Pick Up: Buses depart at 8:30AM from Marine Park
Shuttle Drop Off: 8:45AM at Wyeth Trailhead
Start Time: 9:00AM at Wyeth Trailhead
Cut Off:
12:30PM at Aid Station 2, mile 11.5.
Course Map
Elevation Change
The course includes approximately 2,300’ of elevation gain and 2,350’ of loss over 15.6 miles.
Aid Stations
The 25K includes two 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 | Total Distance (mi) | To Next Aid (mi) | Crew | Toilet | Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Wyeth Trailhead | 0 | 5.3 | Yes | Yes | -- |
| #1 - Peregrination | 5.3 | 6.2 | No | No | -- |
| #2 - Cascade Locks | 11.5 | 5.5 | Yes | Yes | 12:30PM |
| Finish - Marine Park | 31.1 | -- | Yes | -- | Yes |
Crew
Crew/supporters are welcome to come support their runner at the Start Line, at Cascade Locks Aid Station (#2) and the Finish area only.
Google Map Driving Directions from Marine Park staging area:
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 down 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.
Warm Ups
For runners that rode the shuttle bus, they may choose to leave their warmups to the start line. Please leave warmups in a small drop bag on the covered tarp area and we will return all items to the finish area after the start. Runners with a crew are expected to leave their warm ups with crew.
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.