Kåduka
Gorge Waterfalls 50K
Gorge Waterfalls 50K
Daybreak Racing
Daybreak Racing
Gorge Waterfalls 50K
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Gorge Waterfalls 50K

Gorge Waterfalls 50K

50KSunday, April 12, 2026Oregon

At the heart of the Columbia River Gorge

Overview

The Gorge Waterfalls races are a true celebration of trail running in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Over three days, runners take on distances of 100K, 50K, and 30K, weaving through mossy forests, along cliffside singletrack, and past cascading waterfalls that seem to appear around every bend.

This race is more than just miles on the trail. It’s a premium race experience crafted by Daybreak Racing and Freetrail, combining world-class course design with the camaraderie and spirit of the trail community. Expect a fun and welcoming finish line festival, stunning scenery from start to finish, and the kind of challenge that will make you proud to call yourself a Gorge Waterfalls finisher.

Western States QualifierUTMB Index: trueCuplessVegan Friendly

This year’s event took place on

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Start: 8:00 AM

Registration

Registration is closed

Register
Registration Fee:$140-$290
Western States Endurance Run
Western States Qualifier
UTMB Index
UTMB Qualifier
Official race details:Gorge Waterfalls 50K
450 participant limit

Course

Elevation Gain7,000 ft
Elevation Loss7,000 ft
Max Altitude4, 000ft
Cutoff Time9HR

The Gorge Waterfalls courses immerse runners in the lush, iconic terrain of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Expect sweeping views of the Columbia River, narrow cliffside trails, lush forests draped in moss, and countless waterfalls pouring down from volcanic cliffs. The courses are technical and challenging, with sections of steep climbs and rocky footing that demand focus and grit, balanced by smooth stretches where you can open up and fly.

Key highlights include unforgettable waterfall crossings, breathtaking panoramas of the Gorge, and the electric energy of cheering crews and volunteers at Marine Park in Cascade Locks. Each distance delivers its own adventure, but all share the same magic of this world-class trail running destination.

Course Highlights

  • Point to Point from Wahkeena Day Use Area to Cascade Locks. Wave starts at Wahkeena, shuttle buses required Cutoff time of 9 hours from the final wave start

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Cutoff Details


Aid Stations

Aid stations are fully stocked with water, electrolytes, snacks, and hearty fuel to keep runners going strong. Volunteers bring high energy and support at every stop, with medical staff ready if needed. Drop bags are allowed at designated locations.

Logistics

Schedule

Sunday

6:00-6:55AM Check-in open for 50K at Marine Park Pavilion
7:00AM Shuttle buses depart for Wahkeena Day Use Area start (mandatory for all runners)
8:00AM 50K race start, wave 1 (subsequent waves every 3 minutes)
3:00PM Podium awards
5:15PM Event concludes

Bib Pickup

Bib pickup is available at Marine Park Pavilion on race mornings prior to each distance. Optional early bib pickup is also offered at sponsor locations such as Gorges Beer in Cascade Locks on select evenings.

Drop Bags

Drop bags are accepted during morning check-in at designated locations. Drop bags not claimed at the finish line must be picked up the following day. Unclaimed bags will not be mailed.

Crew & Pacers

Crew support is permitted at designated aid stations and the finish line. Pacers are not mentioned for this event. Visitors are welcome to enjoy Marine Park and the sponsor village, but must follow park rules and respect race operations.

Volunteers

Volunteers are welcomed and essential to the event. Tasks range from course marshaling to aid station support and finish line celebrations. Sign-up information is available on the race website

Swag & Medals

All finishers receive a custom finisher award. Professional race photography, sponsor swag raffles, and vouchers for food and drinks at the finish line are included. A significant prize purse is awarded to top finishers.

Getting There

Nearest airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), 38 miles from Cascade Locks. Cascade Locks and Hood River offer nearby lodging and services.

Parking

Event parking is available at Marine Park for $10 per day. Additional free parking is available curbside along Wa Na Pa Street in Cascade Locks. Oversized vehicles must park outside Marine Park due to 12-foot clearance at the entrance.

Lodging

Camping is available on Thunder Island within Marine Park (first come, first served) and at Marine Park Campground. Multiple hotels are located in Cascade Locks within minutes of the start. Hood River and Portland offer additional lodging within 20 to 45 minutes’ drive.

Cascade Locks, oregon

Requirements

This is a challenging race requiring trail running experience. Participants should be prepared for long hours on technical trails, steep climbs, and variable weather conditions.

Qualifying Races

The 100K is a Western States qualifier requiring completion within 18 hours. No other prerequisites are listed for the other distances.

Mandatory Gear

Runners are strongly encouraged to prepare for early spring mountain weather.

Policies

Race Policies


Charity & Beneficiary

A portion of proceeds benefit the Trailkeepers of Oregon, a non-profit dedicated to maintaining, building, and protecting Oregon trails.

Land Acknowledgement

We honor and recognize that this event takes place on the traditional lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, Yakama Nation, Nez Perce, the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, the Cowlitz Tribe, and the Siletz Tribe, who have stewarded these lands for countless generations.

About Daybreak Racing

Daybreak Racing

Daybreak Racing is a Pacific Northwest–based trail running company dedicated to producing beautiful, original, and challenging trail races in spectacular natural settings. Their events emphasize safety, participant support, and an inclusive, festive atmosphere, blending professional-level race production with a welcoming, community-driven vibe. Every event features well-marked courses, thoughtfully staged venues with amenities, professional medical support (not volunteer‑only), high‑quality aid stations, and custom finisher awards and swag. They also integrate eco-responsibility into operations, including recycling and composting programs, and make donations to local beneficiaries for each race.

The team behind Daybreak Racing is led by Jeremy Long, a native of the Oregon Coast and race director whose background in public health and passion for trails shapes the company’s values. He’s supported by Aaron Long and Mack Robertson, who bring a blend of coaching, event coordination, and outdoor community engagement to ensure every race is thoughtfully executed and rooted in local stewardship.

View all Daybreak Racing races on Kåduka →
Gorge Waterfalls 50K logo

Disclaimer

We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information on Kåduka, but details may change. Please always confirm the latest information on the official race website. See something that needs correcting? Send us a note at feedback@kaduka.app