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Lower Starvation Ridge Loop

Cascade Locks, Oregon

3.7/5
based on 3 reviews

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
Waterfall

Lower Starvation Ridge Loop Reviews

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 :)

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.

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.

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Mount Defiance

Warren and Lancaster Falls

Starvation Creek Falls

Dog Mountain via Dog Mountain Trail

Dog Mountain: The Steeper Route

Wind Mountain