Lottery
In September 2017, the Columbia River Gorge was subject to a human caused wildfire that quickly grew to thousands of acres and devastated much of the area. Unfortunately due to these events, we had to cancel the 2018 Gorge Waterfalls 50K and 100K. We hope to bring this race back in the future, but we have to wait until the trails can be rebuilt enough to sustain a trail race.
Ways to Help
Friends of the Columbia River Gorge is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conversation of the Gorge. They are responsible for securing the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act in 1986 and now with over 6,000 members, they continue the conservation efforts year round.
If you would like to volunteer for a work party, please contact one of the organizations below to become involved:
Friends of the Columbia River Gorge
PCTA
WTA
Trailkeepers of Oregon
Waterfall-laden Course
The Gorge Waterfalls 100k (and its sister race, the Gorge Waterfalls 50k) are unique in the number of waterfalls this course runs by, including one you get to run behind. Wahkeena Falls, Fairy Falls, Multnomah Falls, Oneota Falls, Dry Falls, Ponytail Falls, and more! And, as this is an out-and-back course, you'll see each waterfall twice, so even if you miss some of them in the dark at the start, you'll have a chance to appreciate them on the return trip!
Despite this being a beautiful, scenic course, it is also very challenging. The gorge is known for being rocky, rooty, and technical. This is not an entry level 100K and we recommend that you have experience running distances of 50 miles or longer before attempting this race. The 100K has approximately 12,000 feet of elevation gain and takes place primarily on single track trail.
Runners have 17 hours to complete the course. There are 7 full aid stations, 5 of which allow crew access.
All of that, PLUS a rocking post-race party with live bluegrass music, local micro brew, and hot, fresh, wood-fired pizza!
Western States Qualifier
Gorge 100K is a Western States 100 Qualifying Run which means any runner who completes the course in under 17 hours will be eligible to apply for the 2019 Western States lottery which takes place in December 2018.
THE GORGE 100K IS ALSO A WESTERN STATES 100 GOLDEN TICKET RACE, WHICH MEANS, quoting the WSER Board here: "The top two (2) female and top two (2) male finishers in each individual race will automatically qualify for entry into the 2018 Western States 100 event. In the case that the first, or second place participant is already in Western States (or decides to opt out), the automatic bid will slide to third place, fourth place, and subsequently down to fifth place as needed (no places below fifth will be accepted). Runners will receive their invitation via email and have two weeks from the qualifying race to complete the registration, including paying the entry fee. There are no deferments or transfers."
Gorge 100K Films
Check out Project Talaria's 2014 Gorge Waterfalls film: http://projecttalaria.com/2014/08/gorge-waterfalls-50100k-film/
Check out The Ginger Runner's 2014 Gorge Waterfalls film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YxYPpsP0fA
For more information go to www.rainshadowrunning.com.
Event's current local time: 5:59 AM PT
