gorge waterfalls 50k
2018 race date will be announced soon. lottery will open fall of 2017 via ultrasignup.
benson state recreation area, columbia river gorge, ORegon
Click here for 2017 results
Click here for Glenn Tachiyama's 2017 race photos
Results from previous years can be found via UltraSignup.
Click here for Glenn Tachiyama's 2017 race photos
Results from previous years can be found via UltraSignup.
The Gorge Waterfalls 50k is unique in the number of waterfalls this course includes - quite possibly more waterfalls than you'll be able to count! Wahkeena Falls, Fairy Falls, Multnomah Falls, Oneota Falls, Dry Falls, and far more, including Ponytail Falls, which you'll run right underneath. The course is beautiful but it also very challenging. The course boasts approximately 6,000 feet of elevation gain and much of the trail is extremely rocky and slick. This is not a beginner or entry level 50K. We recommend that people have completed a mountain 50K prior to signing up for this race.
For inspiration, check out Project Talaria's 2014 Gorge Watefalls video and Ethan Newberry's 2014 Gorge Waterfalls 50k Video.
Timeline
Sunday April 9th
6:30-7:55 am: Bib pick-up at Benson State Recreation Area -- Don't forget your photo ID
7:45 am: Runners begin boarding the buses to the start at Wyeth
8:00 am: Buses head to Wyeth (race start)
9:00 am: Race starts
Important notes about check-in/bib pick up
Parking
Parking is very limited at Benson State Rec Area. We strongly encourage carpooling. Once the lot is full, the overflow parking is a mile away at Multnomah Falls. There is a trail that connects Multnomah to Benson, but you will have to walk the mile back. We will have parking volunteers to assist you, but the best way to ensure a spot at Benson is to carpool!
Cut-offs
11:30 AM Cascade Locks (9.3)
2:00 PM Yeon (18.2)
4:00 PM No Name (25.5; no crew access)
These cut offs are strict. All runners must be leaving the aid station by the above times. If you do not make the cut off time, you will be given a ride back to the start/finish line with a staff member. Cut off times are in place for many reasons; to keep the race on schedule, to ensure our volunteers can go home at a reasonable time, and in order to stay in compliance with our permitting agencies. Violating this rule will result in serious consequences.
Questions? The race directors for this and all Rainshadow Running races is James Varner.
Otherwise, volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com for volunteer opportunities or info@rainshadowrunning.com for general inquiries.
For inspiration, check out Project Talaria's 2014 Gorge Watefalls video and Ethan Newberry's 2014 Gorge Waterfalls 50k Video.
Timeline
Sunday April 9th
6:30-7:55 am: Bib pick-up at Benson State Recreation Area -- Don't forget your photo ID
7:45 am: Runners begin boarding the buses to the start at Wyeth
8:00 am: Buses head to Wyeth (race start)
9:00 am: Race starts
Important notes about check-in/bib pick up
- Bib pick up is at Benson ONLY
- There is no bib pick up at Wyeth
- Runners can pick up their bib and take the shuttle to the start line at Wyeth OR
- Runners can pick up their bib at Benson and can be dropped off at Wyeth by their crew
- Runners may not leave their cars at Wyeth
- Race starts at Wyeth
- Race finishes at Benson
Parking
Parking is very limited at Benson State Rec Area. We strongly encourage carpooling. Once the lot is full, the overflow parking is a mile away at Multnomah Falls. There is a trail that connects Multnomah to Benson, but you will have to walk the mile back. We will have parking volunteers to assist you, but the best way to ensure a spot at Benson is to carpool!
Cut-offs
11:30 AM Cascade Locks (9.3)
2:00 PM Yeon (18.2)
4:00 PM No Name (25.5; no crew access)
These cut offs are strict. All runners must be leaving the aid station by the above times. If you do not make the cut off time, you will be given a ride back to the start/finish line with a staff member. Cut off times are in place for many reasons; to keep the race on schedule, to ensure our volunteers can go home at a reasonable time, and in order to stay in compliance with our permitting agencies. Violating this rule will result in serious consequences.
Questions? The race directors for this and all Rainshadow Running races is James Varner.
Otherwise, volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com for volunteer opportunities or info@rainshadowrunning.com for general inquiries.
Aid Stations
Each of our aid stations will be fully stocked (with the exception of No Name the first time through at mile 6 which will be water and electrolyte only) with water, electrolyte drink, gels, plenty of fresh fruit, peanut butter and jelly wraps, chips, candy, and first aid supplies; including vaseline, duct tape, and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on course. If you desire any specific food products or electrolytes, please pack them in your drop bag.
AID STATIONS
DROP BAGS
Runners will have drop bag access at Cascade Locks and Yeon. No drop bags at No Name. There will be tarps set up at the start line where you will leave your bag for each aid station. We will provide duct tape and sharpies, but you provide your own bag. Please keep the bag to a reasonable size as our volunteers will be carting them to and from the aid station. Please write your name, bib number, and aid station on the bag. Our volunteers will take them to each aid station location and return them. We will do our best to return drop bags to the finish line once the runner has gone through that aid station, but some may not come back until the aid stations close at their respective cut off time.
CREW ACCESS/PACERS
There are no pacers allowed for the Gorge Waterfalls 50K.
Poles are allowed on the course, but please be mindful of other runners and hikers around you.
Dogs are allowed on the trails, though we do not encourage running with your dog for this race. The trails are busy with other users (especially around Multnomah Falls) and there are steep, narrow sections that are tricky to pass on. If you do run with your dog, they must be on a leash and remember to pick up after them (and carry it out).
Crew Access OK at all aid stations except No Name.
Crew driving directions are available here. THERE IS NO CREW OR SPECTATOR ACCESS AT NO NAME (mile 25).
Below are the course maps, course description and elevation profile:
Each of our aid stations will be fully stocked (with the exception of No Name the first time through at mile 6 which will be water and electrolyte only) with water, electrolyte drink, gels, plenty of fresh fruit, peanut butter and jelly wraps, chips, candy, and first aid supplies; including vaseline, duct tape, and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on course. If you desire any specific food products or electrolytes, please pack them in your drop bag.
AID STATIONS
- Cascade Locks, mile 9.3
- Yeon, mile 18.2
- No Name, mile 25.5
DROP BAGS
Runners will have drop bag access at Cascade Locks and Yeon. No drop bags at No Name. There will be tarps set up at the start line where you will leave your bag for each aid station. We will provide duct tape and sharpies, but you provide your own bag. Please keep the bag to a reasonable size as our volunteers will be carting them to and from the aid station. Please write your name, bib number, and aid station on the bag. Our volunteers will take them to each aid station location and return them. We will do our best to return drop bags to the finish line once the runner has gone through that aid station, but some may not come back until the aid stations close at their respective cut off time.
CREW ACCESS/PACERS
There are no pacers allowed for the Gorge Waterfalls 50K.
Poles are allowed on the course, but please be mindful of other runners and hikers around you.
Dogs are allowed on the trails, though we do not encourage running with your dog for this race. The trails are busy with other users (especially around Multnomah Falls) and there are steep, narrow sections that are tricky to pass on. If you do run with your dog, they must be on a leash and remember to pick up after them (and carry it out).
Crew Access OK at all aid stations except No Name.
- Cascade Locks - mile 9.3
- Yeon - mile 18.2
Crew driving directions are available here. THERE IS NO CREW OR SPECTATOR ACCESS AT NO NAME (mile 25).
Below are the course maps, course description and elevation profile:
LODGING
There is no camping (including car camping) at Benson State Rec Area, it is a day-use area only.
Portland, Oregon is the closest airport. Seatac (Seattle) is the next closest airport and is an approximate 3 hour drive to Portland. Troutdale, OR, and Cascade Locks, OR are the two closest options for hotels and restaurants. Portland is also close, if you live nearby, and/or prefer to stay in a bigger city. The closest camping is located at Ainsworth State Park.
McMenamin's Edgefield is the closest hotel. You can book rooms there directly via their website.
There are also additional hotel options nearby the Edgefield, and pretty endless lodging options in the Portland/Gresham/Troutdale area.
There is no camping (including car camping) at Benson State Rec Area, it is a day-use area only.
Portland, Oregon is the closest airport. Seatac (Seattle) is the next closest airport and is an approximate 3 hour drive to Portland. Troutdale, OR, and Cascade Locks, OR are the two closest options for hotels and restaurants. Portland is also close, if you live nearby, and/or prefer to stay in a bigger city. The closest camping is located at Ainsworth State Park.
McMenamin's Edgefield is the closest hotel. You can book rooms there directly via their website.
There are also additional hotel options nearby the Edgefield, and pretty endless lodging options in the Portland/Gresham/Troutdale area.
The 50k finishes at Benson State Recreation Area in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (about 13 miles East of Troutdale, OR at Exit 30 on I-84). Click here for road map and driving directions.
Please also note that Exit 30 is only accessible for eastbound traffic on I-84, which means that for folks coming from the east (i.e. Cascade Locks, Hood River, or beyond) and heading west toward Benson, you'll have to go past Exit 30 to Exit 22 and then get back on I-84 heading East to get to Exit 30. For folks heading home after the race to places west of Exit 30, you'll have to go east to Exit 31 (Multnomah Falls) or beyond to be able to turn around and get back on I-84 heading West.
Please also note that Exit 30 is only accessible for eastbound traffic on I-84, which means that for folks coming from the east (i.e. Cascade Locks, Hood River, or beyond) and heading west toward Benson, you'll have to go past Exit 30 to Exit 22 and then get back on I-84 heading East to get to Exit 30. For folks heading home after the race to places west of Exit 30, you'll have to go east to Exit 31 (Multnomah Falls) or beyond to be able to turn around and get back on I-84 heading West.
gorge waterfalls carpooling
Coordinating carpools in three quick and easy steps!
- Click this link and scan the spreadsheet to find compatible folks to carpool with;
- Contact those folks or...
- If you don't see what you're looking for enter your own details and contact info.
2016
Official 50k race photos by Glenn Tachiyama
Race recap by Anne Crispino-Taylor
2015
Official 50k race photos by Rainshadow race photographer, Glenn Tachiyama
Race recap by Van Phan
Race recap by Carey Cuprisin
Race recap by Marc Schmitz
Flip-a-gram video by Rachel Adams
Race Recap by Joe Costanzo
Unofficial 50k race video by Tim Amyx
Unofficial 50k race photos by Jack Jewell
2014
Glenn Tachiyama Photos
Paul Nelson Photos
Ginger Runner 50k Race Video
2013
Glenn Tachiyama Photos
Project Talaria's Race Video
Official 50k race photos by Glenn Tachiyama
Race recap by Anne Crispino-Taylor
2015
Official 50k race photos by Rainshadow race photographer, Glenn Tachiyama
Race recap by Van Phan
Race recap by Carey Cuprisin
Race recap by Marc Schmitz
Flip-a-gram video by Rachel Adams
Race Recap by Joe Costanzo
Unofficial 50k race video by Tim Amyx
Unofficial 50k race photos by Jack Jewell
2014
Glenn Tachiyama Photos
Paul Nelson Photos
Ginger Runner 50k Race Video
2013
Glenn Tachiyama Photos
Project Talaria's Race Video
