Gorge Waterfalls, born from the minds of Freetrail & Daybreak Racing, is one of the notable trail race events in the Pacific Northwest, home to some of the most extraordinary trail-running terrain in the United States. Gorge Waterfalls offers scenic 100K, 50K, and 30K trail running races through the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. After four years of cancellation and thousands of hours of trail restoration from numerous groups, the event successfully came back in 2022 with a fresh vision and a new start/finish area along the banks of the Columbia River at Marine Park in Cascade Locks.
As a trail running enthusiast, the call of the Gorge Waterfalls event in the verdant expanse of Cascade Locks, Oregon, is irresistible. Beyond the pristine location, what makes the Gorge Waterfalls event stand out is its status as a Western States 100 qualifier —the 100K race is the golden ticket for the ultra-elite who finish under 18 hours. It is also a UTMB World Series Index Race. But it’s more than just a race; it’s a festival celebrating the sheer joy of trail running across a weekend packed with distances for every runner’s taste.
Event & Course Info
100K
This ultra-distance course is a spectacular tour of the Columbia River Gorge, showcasing the grandeur of the region. Starting in the pre-dawn quiet at Cascade Locks, runners embark on an out-and-back journey downriver towards the awe-striking Multnomah and Wahkeena Falls, before retracing their steps and then pushing upriver past Herman Creek, all the way to Wyeth Trailhead, and back. The course is generally very runnable, with many punchy hill climbs and the terrain is a mix of rocky singletrack with patches of smoother trails, interrupted by stretches of paved paths and rural roads. With 11,000 feet of elevation gain and descent over 62 miles, eight aid stations dot the course, three of which offer drop bag access, and five are accessible for crew support.
50K
Offering a west-to-east transect through the Gorge, the 50K runners start from Wahkeena Day Use Area and wind past the iconic waterfalls, coursing along the Gorge 400 Trail with views that captivate. With a substantial 5,800 feet of elevation gain and loss, this course is a test of endurance on a variety of terrain, from technical rocky stretches to forgiving dirt paths. Four aid stations provide sustenance and support, with drop bag access and crew access points along the way.
30K
The 30K offers a condensed version of the Gorge’s splendor, perfect for those seeking speed and scenery. The elevation profile here is a more modest 2,700 feet of gain and loss, starting from Wahkeena Day Use Area and journeying towards the falls, then along the scenic trails all the way to Marine Park’s finish line. The course is studded with four aid stations, well-stocked and ready to cater to the runners’ needs.
Each race day is meticulously planned, from check-ins to shuttle departures. Cut-offs are strict, ensuring a smooth flow and safety for all. The 30K and 50K deploy wave starts to avoid crowding, while the 100K runners share the excitement of a mass start. Celebrations are integral, with food, drink, and lively gatherings awaiting at Marine Park Pavilion—inviting not just the runners but their cheering families and friends. Custom awards, a prize purse for top finishers, and a raffle keep the spirits high. And in the spirit of equality and inclusivity, the event offers equal podium spots and prize money for female and male participants.
In preparing for this event, one must consider the unpredictable spring weather of the Gorge, often a mix of chilly and warm, and always an element of adventure.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Many participants at Gorge Waterfalls choose to camp on Thunder Island at Marine Park since organizers obtained special permission for participants and volunteers. Campers must carry their camping supplies onto the island from their parked vehicle on the mainland side of Marine Park, however, there are no campfires or alcohol allowed on Thunder Island. Alternatively, Marine Park Campground at the west end of the park is an option for small RVs/trailers/vans and cars.
In regards to hotels in Cascade Locks, there are many that are close to the venue including Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn, Bridge of the Gods Motel, Cabins and RV Park, and the Cascade Motel. For those that prefer a more home-like experience, there are some great vacation rentals to choose from that suit a variety of needs from chalets to homes. You could also consider staying in Portland which is 30-45 minutes to the west, or in Hood River, 20 minutes east.
Cascade Locks, Oregon, boasts a quaint and evolving culinary scene that reflects its Pacific Northwest roots, offering a range of dining experiences from cozy riverside cafes serving locally-sourced fare to charming breweries featuring regional craft beers and hearty pub food. The town’s eateries capitalize on the abundant local produce and the Columbia River’s bounty, providing a fresh, rustic gastronomic delight to residents and visitors alike. Local favorites include Brigham Fish Market, Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, and Eastwind Drive-In.
At the heart of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Locks, Oregon, is a haven for outdoor athletes, especially as spring begins to blossom at the end of March. This town, rich with natural beauty and a history steeped in the pioneering spirit, offers a plethora of activities that beckon the adventurous.
First on the list for any outdoor enthusiast is tackling the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. As March ushers in milder weather, athletes can enjoy the trail’s full splendor. This restored segment of the historic highway is closed to motor vehicles and is perfect for a scenic hike. Starting from the Cascade Locks trailhead, you can traverse the 4.5-mile stretch to the iconic Toothrock Viaduct, soaking in views of the Gorge’s majestic cliffs and the expansive river below. The trail is lined with early spring wildflowers, providing a serene and invigorating hike.
For cyclists, the Eagle Creek Overlook provides an unmatched experience. The route to this stunning vantage point is a rewarding challenge, with roads that wind through dense forests and offer occasional peeks at the river far below. Once at the Overlook, cyclists are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Eagle Creek Canyon and the surrounding Gorge.
Lastly, the end of March is a prime time for fishing enthusiasts to visit the banks of the Columbia River. As the weather transitions, so does the river’s fishing season, offering opportunities to catch spring Chinook salmon. Whether you prefer the solitude of fly fishing or the thrill of reeling in a big catch, the Columbia River has spots aplenty. Boat launches and quiet banks near Cascade Locks provide ample space for a peaceful day of fishing, with the backdrop of the Gorge’s magnificent walls rising around you.
Related Events
While Gorge Waterfalls is currently the only trail running event we cover in Oregon, keep your eyes out for more of the Best in Class Trail Running Events in the Northwest. However, the multi-sport athletes of the group will appreciate some of the states renowned cycling events. Thanks to Mudslinger Events, some of the top mountain bike events are held in-state including the Ring of Fire, High Cascades 100, Mudslinger XC, Sisters Stampede and Oregon 24/12. Many of them are part of the National Ultra Endurance Race Event, the Oregon XC Series and the N24 Series.
Gravel cyclists looking for bucket list races in Oregon to add to their calendar can choose from the Oregon Coast Gravel Epic, Oregon Gran Fondo (also a road cycling event), West Coast Gravl, Sasquatch Duro, Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder, Gorge Gravel Grinder, Cascade Gravel Grinder, Ochoco Gravel Grinder, and the Takelma Gravel Grinder. Many of these are produced again by Mudslinger Events, as well as Breakaway Promotions and are a part of the Oregon Triple Crown Series and the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series.
Finally, those who enjoy pedaling on pavement can set their sights on the infamous Seattle to Portland STP ride from Cascade Bicycle Club & Portland Cycle Club, one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Northwest.
The Western States 100 is the grandaddy of ultra-running events. It is an epic 100-mile trail run from Olympic Valley to Auburn, CA, in one day on the last weekend of June. It is the world’s oldest 100 trail race, starting in 1974 as one of the ultimate endurance tests. Over the course, runners will climb more than 18,000 feet and descend 23,000 feet. See the dedicated Western States Endurance Run website for details on the lottery process, training, support, and volunteer opportunities. Participants must qualify for the race within two years and enter the lottery. If you are selected as part of the lottery, you are officially sent details to register within two weeks. If not completed in time, the registration will be available to runners on the waitlist of 50-75 people.
UTMB World Series is the ultimate global trail running series uniting the sport’s biggest stars and amateur runners through a leading international event series in the most stunning locations. The UTMB World Series gives all trail runners a chance to experience UTMB events worldwide, with 25 events taking place across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas in 2022. It is the only place runners can begin their quest to UTMB Mont-Blanc, home of the prestigious UTMB World Series Finals. The UTMB World Series integrates three levels of events:
- UTMB World Series Finals
- UTMB World Series Majors
- UTMB World Series Events
To qualify to enter the lottery for Finals or Major events, you must collect a “Running Stone” by finishing qualifier events in the 20k, 50k, 100k, or 100M categories. Only 1 Running Stone acquired in the past two years is mandatory to enter the lottery. Running Stones are cumulative, have no expiration date, and each Running Stone gives you an additional chance to be drawn. Collecting Running Stones is the only way to access regular runners’ UTMB World Series Finals. Discover the 25 events that will allow you to collect Running Stones this year to enter the UTMB Mont-Blanc lottery from next year onwards here.
