About This Race
The Gorge Waterfalls ultramarathon is a premier trail running event held in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, offering runners a grueling yet scenic journey through Oregon's lush temperate rainforests. Competitors navigate technical, moss-covered terrain and significant vertical gain while passing some of the most iconic and powerful waterfalls in the United States.
What Makes It Unique
- The course features a spectacular section where runners pass directly behind the curtain of Ponytail Falls via a natural basalt cavern.
- Participants traverse the world-famous Multnomah Falls area, encountering a dense concentration of vertical drops including Wahkeena, Elowah, and Horsetail Falls.
- The 100K distance is exceptionally demanding, featuring nearly 12,000 feet of elevation gain across the rugged, historic trails of the Columbia River Gorge.
Media Coverage
Race Preview: The Gorge Waterfalls 50K/100K
Trail Runner Magazine
This comprehensive race profile details the event's history, its acquisition by Freetrail and Daybreak Racing, and provides an at-a-glance course description of the technical, waterfall-lined trails.
Race Preview: The Gorge Waterfalls 50K/100K
Trail Runner Magazine
An editorial deep dive into the history of the race, including its 2011 origins, the impact of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, and its 2022 revival under new management.
WeRunFar Profile: James Varner
iRunFar
A profile of the race's original director, providing historical context on the founding of the Gorge Waterfalls Trail Races and its integration with the local trail community.