Runventure Time in the Gorge (Cascade Locks PCT) 🍩🍩🍩

Details:
When: Sunday, January 25th @ 8:30am
Distance: 11 mile run
Gain: 2,000 feet
Start: Downtown Cascade Locks, on street near Columbia Market (see map, DO NOT PARK IN MARKET LOT)
After (party): Thunder Island Brewing
Car Pooling: Yes (see future comments)
Drive Time (from Portland): Approx. 45 minutes
Restrooms: Yes (public restrooms across from the market)
Parking Permit/Fee: No

Happy 2026! Let's start the Runventure Time field trip year off with a Gorge classic (which I have personally run over 100+ times). We'll stay low (elevation) owing to snow currently hovering around 3500 feet, and always the chance of more low level snow this time of year. This is a great beginner Gorge trail owing to the mellow elevation gain and distance. Also, if unfamiliar with the Gorge, then prepare for a very rocky underfoot trail experience. Hope you can make it!!

The meeting spot will be near the Columbia Market, downtown Cascade Locks. From there we'll run up to Bridge of the Gods, where the trailhead for the PCT is located. We'll run the PCT out to Herman Creek (via the Herman Bridge Trail), and then back, detouring to Dry Creek Falls (where I'll show before and after photos of after recent rains). From there it will be a fun and smooth downhill on the forest road looping back into town (passing a recent mini slide).

Route:
https://onthegomap.com/s/l4qqep3k

Donuts Guide:
🍩 - Leif Erikson-ish (flat, little elevation gain)
🍩🍩 - Most NWTR Forest Park runs (5-7 miles, 500-1000 ft ups)...running experience necessary
🍩🍩🍩 - Easier technical Gorge/mtns (7-12 miles, 1000-2500 ft ups)...a bit more experience may be necessary
🍩🍩🍩🍩 - More technical, longer, steeper (12-20 miles, 2500-5000 ft ups)...seasoned trail runner, with much more experience in the mtns
🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩 - Most difficult and technical (20+ miles, 5000+ ft ups)...marathon, ultra-runners only