Thunder River 50K
November 8, 2025
50K
The 50K course offers a stunning, scenic tour through the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The course is mostly a point-to-point route, with the latter portion including some out-and-back miles to a small loop at Elowah Falls. The race includes four aid stations, with three offering drop bag access and three offering crew access.
Beginning at Wyeth Trailhead, traveling downriver mostly along big sections of the Gorge 400 Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and some connector sections of the paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Scenic Trail. Iconic locations seen along the route include Pacific Crest Falls, Herman Creek pinnacles, Eagle Creek, Elowah Falls, Bridge of the Gods, Thunder Island and countless viewscapes across the mighty Columbia River. World-class scenery, incredible trails and some epic waterfalls await along this challenging but runnable course!
The 50K course 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 some intermittent sections of paved pedestrian/bike path in the back half of the course to connect some of the main trail segments.
Race Day Schedule
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Bib Pickup & Check-In Opens: 6:00AM inside Marine Park Pavilion
Shuttle Pick Up: Buses depart at 7:00AM from Marine Park
Shuttle Drop Off: 7:15AM at Wyeth Trailhead
Start Time: 7:30AM at Wyeth Trailhead
Cut Offs:
12:15PM at Aid Station 3, mile 17.0
2:15PM at Aid Station 4, mile 24.1
4:30PM at the Finish Line (8.5 hours)
Course Map
Elevation Change
The course includes approximately 5,000’ of elevation gain and 5,050’ of loss over 31.1 miles.
Aid Stations
The 50K includes four 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 | Drop Bag | Toilet | Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Wyeth Trailhead | 0 | 5.3 | No | -- | Yes | -- |
| #1 - Peregrination | 5.3 | 6.2 | No | No | No | -- |
| #2 - Cascade Locks | 11.5 | 5.5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | -- |
| #3 - Wahclella | 17.0 | 7.1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 12:15PM |
| #4 - Wahclella (2) | 24.1 | 7.0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2:15PM |
| Finish - Marine Park | 31.1 | -- | Yes | -- | Yes | 4:30PM |
Warm Ups
Runners without crew may choose to leave their warmups at the start line. Please leave warmups in a small drop bag on the covered tarp and we will return all items to the finish area.
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 NOT be dropped off at the Start Line. No crew access at Peregrination Aid Station (#1)— under no circumstances may crew or spectators access this location at any time.
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 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.
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.
Drop Bags
Drop bags will be available at Cascade Locks Aid Station (Aid 2) and Wahclella Aid Station (Aid 3 & 4).
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: Drop bags are not returned to Marine Park until the aid station shuts down after cutoff times/race sweepers arrive.
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.