Fall traverse of the Columbia River Gorge
Overview
Thunder River is your chance to experience the Columbia River Gorge in all its autumn glory. Imagine racing along the Pacific Crest Trail with golden fall colors overhead, sweeping Gorge views at your side, and the Bridge of the Gods beneath your feet. This is a point-to-point adventure that celebrates the season with world class scenery and the thrill of finishing on Thunder Island.
Both the 25K and 50K wrap up with a festive loop around Thunder Island at Cascade Locks’ Marine Park, where the community gathers to cheer every runner across the finish. Whether you come to race hard, support a runner, or just soak in the atmosphere, Thunder River is a spectacular way to close out the trail season.
Course
The Thunder River courses are rugged, scenic, and unforgettable. Both distances begin at Wyeth Trailhead and climb directly into the forested ridgelines of the Columbia River Gorge. You’ll travel along the world famous Pacific Crest Trail and Gorge 400 Trail, soaking in sweeping vistas and weaving through moss-covered forests. The final miles lead runners under the Bridge of the Gods before circling Thunder Island, a tiny oasis in the Columbia River, to finish at Marine Park.
Expect a mix of challenging climbs, flowing singletrack, and leaf-covered descents. The courses are well-marked, fully immersive, and showcase the very best of Gorge country.
50K
Mostly point-to-point route from Wyeth Trailhead to Marine Park, with steep climbs, ridgeline running, and a loop around Thunder Island before finishing
Cutoff Details
Aid Stations
Aid stations along the course provide a full range of trail fuel, hydration, and professional medical support. The final aid is at Thunder Island before the finish at Marine Park.
Logistics
Schedule
Friday
4:00PM - 6:00PM Optional check-in inside Marine Park Pavilion
Saturday
6:00AM 50K check-in inside Marine Park Pavilion
7:00AM 50K shuttle buses depart
7:30AM 50K race start at Wyeth Trailhead
4:00PM Course closes
Bib Pickup
Runners pick up their bibs and prepaid swag at Marine Park Pavilion during check-in hours. There is no bib pickup at the start line.
Drop Bags
Drop bags may be left behind the check-in area on race morning. All bags must be retrieved post-race. Bags left behind will be donated.
Crew & Pacers
Visitors are welcome to cheer at Marine Park for the finish line celebration. Crews may drop runners at the start at Wyeth Trailhead or meet them at the finish. Pacers are not allowed. Visitors must follow Marine Park regulations.
Swag & Medals
All finishers receive a custom finisher award. Race t-shirts and hats are available for purchase from Territory Run Co. A raffle of sponsor swag takes place at the finish line.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), located 38 miles from Cascade Locks. Cascade Locks is a 35-40 minute drive east of Portland. Hood River is 20 minutes east of the race staging area.
Driving Directions
Parking
Event parking is available around Marine Park Pavilion with a $10 daily fee. Free street parking is available along Wa Na Pa Street. Vehicles taller than 12ft must park outside the Marine Park trestle entrance.
Lodging
Camping is available at Marine Park Campground. Hotels are located in Cascade Locks within walking distance to Marine Park. Additional lodging is available in Portland and Hood River.
Requirements
Runners should be prepared for technical trails, steep climbs, and variable fall weather. While prior trail experience is recommended, no specific qualifying race is required.
Policies
Race Policies
Charity & Beneficiary
A portion of race proceeds benefits the non-profit Trailkeepers of Oregon, dedicated to the rehabilitation, maintenance, and stewardship of Oregon trails.
Land Acknowledgement
Thunder River takes place on the traditional lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. We honor and respect their enduring connection to this land and the Columbia River.
About 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.

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





