Overview
Angel’s Rest is the first trail race on the legendary Larch Mountain, deep in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. After years of waiting, runners can finally experience a true Gorge trail race, complete with soaring views, steep climbs, and the kind of rugged terrain that makes you feel alive.
Every distance highlights the Gorge’s magic: roaring waterfalls, mossy forests, and the wild rebirth of areas touched by the Eagle Creek fire. This is not just a race — it’s a celebration of the Gorge, of resilience, and of trail running at its most breathtaking. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or chasing your first Gorge finish, Angel’s Rest will leave you inspired.
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Registration
Opens
Mar 15, 2025, 12:00 AM
Closes
Oct 8, 2025, 11:59 PM
Registration Fee
$85
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
20
M
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
4,200ft
Elevation loss:
▼
4,200ft
Max altitude:
4,061ft
Start time:
Oct 11, 2025
8:30 AM
Cutoff time:
8HR
Course Description
The 20M course begins at Benson State Recreation Area and quickly climbs alongside the famous Multnomah Falls before turning onto Larch Mountain Trail. From there, runners ascend all the way to Sherrard Point, where sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and distant Cascade peaks reward the effort. The second half of the race is almost entirely downhill, a fast and thrilling descent back to the finish.
Expect rugged single-track, flowing two-track, and stretches of pavement that tie it all together. The terrain is as varied as the scenery, with river crossings, rocky sections, and plenty of lush forest. Runners will get the Gorge in its full glory: waterfalls, ridgelines, and the satisfying burn of sustained climbing.
20M course makeup: 55% single-track, 30% two-track, 15% pavement
Logistics
The race start is located at Benson State Recreation Area, just 30 minutes east of Portland, Oregon. The closest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), located 25 minutes from the race start. Runners can also access the area from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 3 hours away.
Driving Directions
Parking
Parking is available at Benson State Recreation Area. Carpooling is strongly encouraged due to limited space. Credit card kiosks are available to purchase day passes on-site.
Passes Required
Lodging
Cascade Locks, 15 minutes from the start, has hotels and motels.
Hood River, 35 minutes away, offers hotels, dining, and outdoor amenities.
Portland and Vancouver metro area, 30-45 minutes away, provide abundant lodging options.
Aid Stations
The 20M race has three full aid stations stocked with water, electrolytes, and runner fuel. Cutoff times are enforced to ensure an 8-hour finish window. Drop bags are not provided for the 20M distance.
20M → Mid-course aid station plus finish line support.
Race Requirements
Runners should be prepared for steep climbs and descents, wet trail conditions, and technical footing. While no prior race experience is required, participants should be comfortable on rugged trails.
Trail Work
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Refunds & Credits
No transfers to other runners. No exceptions.
Cancel more than 30 days before race day → you’ll receive 50% credit toward the same event the following year.
Cancel within 30 days of race day → no credit, no refund, no transfer. Please don’t ask—we keep this policy consistent for everyone.
How to Cancel for Race Credit
You must cancel 30+ days before the event to receive 50% credit.
Log into your Ultrasignup account.
Go to your registration history.
Cancel your entry.
That’s it—your spot will be released, and 50% credit will automatically roll to next year’s event.
Important: We cannot make exceptions, even for medical reasons or injuries.
Pre-Purchased Items
Gear like shirts, hats, pint glasses, or other add-ons must be picked up in person during race weekend check-in. Anything not collected will not be shipped.
Switching Distances
You can move up or down in distance before race day only.
If the distance you want is sold out and has a waitlist, you’ll need to join the waitlist—we can’t move you ahead of others.
Dropping down? No refunds.
Moving up? You’ll need to pay the difference before being added.
To switch, please email the race directors.
Race Cancellation
If we are forced to cancel an event and it cannot reasonably be rescheduled, there will be no refunds, no credits, no rollovers.
Other Notes
Personal checks are not accepted.
Reserved spots: Alpine Running holds a number of entries for sponsors and partners, outside of regular registration.
Pregnancy Deferral
We proudly offer a deferral for runners who are pregnant.
Eligibility: Any registered runner who is pregnant or becomes pregnant after registering.
Steps:
Submit a written Pregnancy Entry Deferral request to the Race Director before race day.
Provide confirmation of pregnancy or proof of birth from a physician, midwife, or other medical professional.
Your entry will be deferred for 1 year.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the race course or at aid stations due to safety and trail regulations.
Kids
A Youth Trail Run is offered for $30. It is a shorter course designed for younger runners. Kids are encouraged to participate, but must have parental supervision.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Crew and visitors are welcome at the start/finish area at Benson State Recreation Area. Crews should respect state park rules and cheer responsibly. Visitors are encouraged to carpool to reduce parking impact.
Volunteers
Every race has a secret sauce—and it’s not the aid station snacks. It’s the volunteers. Without their energy, smiles, and hard work, none of these events would happen.
Volunteering is a chance to give back to the trail running community, cheer on runners from a different perspective, and maybe even scope out what racing feels like before signing up yourself. Whatever brings you to the volunteer crew, we see you as partners—and we celebrate you like the trail heroes you are.
What You’ll Get as a Volunteer
At Alpine Running races, volunteers receive:
A quality race t-shirt (wear it with pride!)
A post-race meal and beverage—because good food tastes even better after trail magic
Race credit toward a future Alpine Running event
A Few Ground Rules
To keep things fair and sustainable, here’s how volunteer benefits work:
Credits expire within one year of being issued.
Credits don’t apply to volunteers associated with race sponsors.*
Credits and race-day perks are for folks who sign up ahead of time and fill their assigned role.
Credits can only be redeemed online during registration.
Alpine Running reserves the right to adjust credits, restrictions, or benefits if needed.
*If you’re part of a sponsor team, reach out to Alpine Running to learn more about your special perks!