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Note: Trail #414B, the Starvation Ridge Cutoff Trail between Starvation Ridge Trail and the trailhead, is currently closed because of an impassable slide. A waterfall loop cannot be completed, but access to the falls is still possible via Trail #414.
After a steep ascent, this loop rewards hikers with multiple viewpoints and three multi-pool falls. Each can be easily accessed by a quick scramble from below. None of the pools are deep enough to jump into, although each one will provide nice relief from the mid-summer heat.
To access the trailhead, first head west from the Starvation Creek parking lot alongside I-84 for a quarter mile. From there, stretch your legs, because it’s all uphill for the next half mile! After climbing nearly 600 feet, you’ll find the trail intersection for Starvation Ridge and Mount Defiance trails. Turn right at the marker and prepare yourself for a series of astounding views of the Columbia River Gorge.
You will cross both Cabin Creek and Warren Creek before reaching Lancaster Falls. At this point, you can continue up Mount Defiance or return 100 yards to the trail junction leading down towards the highway. It’s a leisurely 0.7 mile walk past Tunnel Falls (also known as Hole-in-the-Wall Falls) and Cabin Creek Falls to return to the parking lot.
Logistics + Planning
Preferable season(s)
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
Congestion
Low
Parking Pass
Not Required
Pros
Expansive views. Easy access. Uncrowded.
Cons
Road noise and proximity to I-84. Sections of trail are under powerlines.
Hey Hannah, thanks for keeping us on our toes. The guide has been updated to reflect the slide. However, the hike you describe with 3,000 feet of elevation gain is a hike to the top of Starvation Ridge, a different hike with more strenuous mileage and elevation.
I followed the map I downloaded and I think the map is way more than 700 ft elevation gain. Some websites said something like 3000!! I believe it. Please check facts. Also, I know I should check multiple sources before a hike, but Outdoorproject tends to add warnings. There was not a warning posted here. Oops.
There’s a landslide at the end of starvation ridge trail. (Not passable) we could see the road and ended up hiking down through the loose brush. But this felt fairly dangerous. (Yes, and signage did confuse me.) since the aftermath the most accurate description of the hike I’ve found is oregonjikers.org. Please add a warning to this hike description and suggest to hikers not to follow this map. It’s an age old tale that readers do not heed signs and I felt we did- but mis comprehended the overall meaning of the sign. Please learn from my mistake! Thanks all!
Am very glad I followed this original poster's direction to head left up the steep hill at the first split; as it was far better to go up the loose dirt/gravel, rather it being at the end of my hike going down.
Beautiful day, gorgeous views. Very dry season, so falls were slender, but, I was not disappointed. Felt and smelled great being out there.
Much more difficult than I imagined it would be... so no more "moderate" listings for me. Ha :D In explanation, more areas of the path slid out than I was comfortable with.
Comments
There’s a landslide at the end of starvation ridge trail. (Not passable) we could see the road and ended up hiking down through the loose brush. But this felt fairly dangerous. (Yes, and signage did confuse me.) since the aftermath the most accurate description of the hike I’ve found is oregonjikers.org. Please add a warning to this hike description and suggest to hikers not to follow this map. It’s an age old tale that readers do not heed signs and I felt we did- but mis comprehended the overall meaning of the sign. Please learn from my mistake! Thanks all!
Beautiful day, gorgeous views. Very dry season, so falls were slender, but, I was not disappointed. Felt and smelled great being out there.
Much more difficult than I imagined it would be... so no more "moderate" listings for me. Ha :D In explanation, more areas of the path slid out than I was comfortable with.
Thx bunches for this listing.
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