Make a Splash: The 2026 Gorge Waterfalls Races Await

It’s 2026 and it’s time to look at the race calendar ahead. The Gorge Waterfalls has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now, and perhaps this will be the year I finally do it.

This race, brought to us by both Freetrail and Daybreak Racing, has topped a few lists of the most scenic trail races in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s easy to see why. This race will take runners through the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. All three courses are challenging, and all are spectacular. There is a reason this race sells out earlier and earlier every year.

The 30k takes place on Friday, April 10th, 2026 at 10a and is a point-to-point course which starts at Wahkeena Day Use area (after runners are shuttled there from Marine Park in Cascade Locks) and then ventures over to Multnomah Falls, along the Gorge 400 Trail, and through some sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Scenic Trail. Runners will head into Cascade Locks, under the Bridge of the Gods, and into Marine Park. There is a 6-hour cutoff plus some additional on-course cutoffs.

The 50k will be on Sunday, April 12th at 8a and takes much of the same route, but runners will head out on the Pacific Crest Trail before turning around at Pacific Crest Falls before heading into Cascade Locks. There is a 9 hour cutoff for this distance plus some additional on-course cutoff times.

The 100k is on Saturday, April 11th at 5a and is the only out-and-back course of the weekend. This route starts downriver from Cascade Locks, takes Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls back to Cascade Locks, then veers upriver on the Pacific Crest Trail past Herman Creek to Wyeth Trailhead before traveling back again to Cascade Locks to finish. There is a 18 hours overall cutoff and additional on-course cutoff times as well.

Consider coming to the course preview held on March 15th where folks will meet up to run various sections of the Gorge Waterfalls courses.

Stick around after your event for the post-race celebration, as all participants will receive a voucher/ticket for food and beverages at the Marine Park Pavillion. There’s a prize purse, awards, and a raffle for some amazing sponsor swag too, so stick around after the race to see if you’ve won.

These races sell out quick, so if you are interested, I highly recommend getting registered ASAP! The 100k is a Western States Qualifier so consider getting on the waitlist or planning to register early for 2026!