Lower Starvation Ridge Loop

Cascade Locks, Oregon

3.7/5

based on 3 reviews

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Details

Distance

2.69 miles

Elevation Gain

1001 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Angela Service

The Lower Starvation Ridge Loop hike is great for views of the Columbia River Gorge as well as multiple waterfalls along the way.

Starvation Creek Falls is an impressive 190 ft. waterfall just a few feet from the parking lot. If you don't know it's there, you'll miss it. Keep walking past the restrooms, away from the trail head to see this beautiful two-tiered waterfall. There are a couple of picnic tables near the creek to enjoy a snack before your hike.

Most of the loop is pretty easy, except for the first half-mile climb which is super steep. The hike is not family-friendly due to some sheer drops along the way. Once at the top, there is a great cliff-edge viewpoint of the Columbia River. There are 3 different waterfalls in the last .7 miles of the loop, Lancaster Falls, Tunnel Falls, and Cabin Creek Falls. We were feeling adventurous and climbed to the top of the 231 ft. Lancaster Falls. It is very steep, extremely crumbly, and full of poison oak, so wear long pants and be cautious.

We went on a weekend and it was not crowded. It's further east in the gorge and far enough away from the popular gorge hikes, that there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your time.

If you don't feel like doing the steep viewpoint hike, go the opposite way and just enjoy the waterfalls!

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Features

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Forest

Picnic Area

Waterfalls

Lower Starvation Ridge Loop Reviews

Clayton Lukens

Lower Starvation Ridge Loop

06/21/20

A nice easy relaxing hike for experienced hikers that need a cool down hike. The views on the hills are gorgeous and the waterfalls aren’t bad! If you’re feeling risky like me you can fill up your water bottle in the falls :)

4.0

Explorer

Christian Murillo

Explorer

Lower Starvation Ridge Loop

08/20/18

This trail is short and easy and has some really beautiful waterfalls. It is super accessible from Portland or Hood River as well. There are lots of waterfalls in the area, but this was one of the few waterfalls that stayed open after the most recent fires.

4.0

Lisa Donoho-Medsker

Lower Starvation Ridge Loop

07/04/17

To find the Starvation Ridge cutoff trail park at the Starvation Creek area off I-84. The paved path will take you to Viento State Park. Head west from the parking lot and the first trail is the Starvation Ridge Cutoff trail. I don't recommend this trail. This trail is incredibly steep with loose rocks and gravel. On my trip parts of the trail had also been washed out and it was necessary to scramble. Rather than deal with this it's safer and more enjoyable to continue east to the Mount Defiance trailhead. Once you start up you will make a left at the junction. The trail is clearly marked then continue east to some very scenic panoramic views.

3.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mount Defiance

This hike starts at the Starvation Creek Rest Area. After parking, head west back along the shoulder of the freeway, where you’ll see a wooden sign stating “Mt. Defiance Trail.” Continue heading west along the abandoned Columbia River Highway. Keep going west as you pass the junction with the Starvation Cutoff Trail (which is what you’ll return on), and you’ll arrive at Cabin Creek Falls. Soon ...

Warren and Lancaster Falls

The hike along Mt. Defiance Trail to Warren and Lancaster Falls is great if you want to get away from some of the more crowded destinations in the gorge, or just want to catch some shade during the summer. The trail is fairly easygoing, though the last 1/4th of a mile to Lancaster Falls is a bit of a leg burner. The hike starts at Starvation Creek State Park. From the parking lot, take the pav...

Starvation Creek Falls

The Starvation Creek Falls drops 141ft down into a naturally formed bowl, cascading past a wooded picnic area and onto the Columbia River. The falls are one of the easiest falls to access in the Columbia River Gorge along with Multnomah Falls, but are far less Crowded. The short 300ft walk from the Starvation Creek State Park parking lot is easily traversable by anyone and disability accommodat...

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Dog Mountain via Dog Mountain Trail

The Dog Mountain trailhead is located halfway between Stevenson and Bingen. Look for the big signed parking area just after milepost 53 (Eastbound). The parking lot fills up quickly, especially during peak wildflower season, so if you can go on a weekday that would be better. There are 3 trails to the summit: Augsberger trail is to the left of the parking area and is the most mellow. It has m...

Wind Mountain

Once you reach the parking lot, walk down the hill and find the trail head, which is easily seen as it is marked. Begin your trek up the trail. The way up is pretty much all uphill, and is a great workout for the legs. You will walk through forests and over many rocks on the way up. As soon as your legs are burning, you hit the top and see the great views. Walk around on the top and look from ...

Lower Starvation Ridge Loop

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Lower Starvation Ridge Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Mount Defiance

Warren and Lancaster Falls

Starvation Creek Falls

Dog Mountain: The Steeper Route

Dog Mountain via Dog Mountain Trail

Wind Mountain

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