Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Starvation Creek State Park

    4.9 (16 reviews)

    Starvation Creek State Park Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Starvation Creek State Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Jessy M.

    We came here and rode our bikes 9 miles. Trail was nice, you just have to watch for groups of people and bikers who are side by side so it's sometimes hard to get around and you have to totally slow down. The ranger said January 2024 it will go all the way to Hood River, can't wait for that but for now it was great and beautiful. Definitely a bit of a head wind one way today but still a great time and ride. I did purchase the yearly Oregon State Park pass since required for parking and we also do Banks Vernonia and go to enough places that the $30 for 12 months was so worth it.

    Nice spot to sit and ponder
    Frances L.

    Great trails for biking and hiking, parking lot is small but there are other parks nearby and they all connect to the same path so you can always park farther away and still get here. The waterfalls can be seen off the path in most spots. Picnic benches and restrooms are well kept. Some trails are still closed due to the eagle creeks fire so make sure you research your trails before you head out. Hole in the wall falls was pretty interesting and learning the history of the name starvation creeks was fun.

    Off Hwy 84 between Viento State Park and Wyeth Campground, about halfway between Portland and Hood River.
    Shannon B.

    With so many beautiful parks and trails along Columbia River Gorge's "Waterfall Alley", you might decide to drive right on past Starvation Creek on your way to Hood River from Portland (or vice versa), and that would be alright with me. The fewer folks that stop here, the more peaceful and pristine these falls will remain. I could not believe how lucky I was to have this place all to myself (well, along with my 10-year-old and his dad). We visited on a Friday afternoon in August and spent about an hour just marveling at the beauty here, with nary another soul gracing our path. After a brutal hike up to Angel's Rest (1200 feet of elevation gain!) on a previous day, we were so happy to be able to access these 190-feet, 2-tiered falls with just a short, easy walk from the parking/rest area. Without much effort at all, we were able to enjoy these falls, take plenty of pictures, and play a bit in the creek as if it were our own private oasis. From the restrooms, take the eastward path up the hill, following the right fork at the historical marker which tells the tale of a Union Pacific train stranded here during a snow storm in December 1884. You can see most of the falls from the shaded picnic tables, but if you want to get the best view, you need to be willing to do some dry climbing to the right, or some wet creek crossing to the left - your choice. For the creek, you'll want to wear some grippy water shoes, as those rocks are slippery. Bring your backpack of goodies and you'll find a nice concrete pad up top where you can have a sweet picnic or cold brew if you wish. This place was easily one of our favorite experiences while visiting Oregon. The following linked map is quite handy for choosing your stops along the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH): http://oregonstateparks.org/ckFiles/files/HCRH_BikeMaps.pdf And this hike guide gives info about the trails and other falls which can be reached via Starvation Creek State Park. https://gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/starvation-creek-ridge-loop.html

    View from picnic area
    Jack G.

    Spectacular waterfall, especially if you climb to the base of the main falls (easy). Look up at the wispy spray and feel the downdraft. Small parking lot, but this is along the gorge trail so you can hike here from nearby areas. Worth a visit just to see this alone.

    History...
    Doi S.

    What a wonderful experience hiking for the first time! Leisurely for the first hike. Beautiful Waterfalls! I was so amazed to experience the clean restroom . Liked that there was a sign about the History of Why & How? It got its name Starvation Creek.

    Rachel M.

    This state park in the Gorge is being revamped to be more family and ADA friendly. While you can still get to the Mt. Defiance trail head from here or do the Starvation Creek Loop hike, there is now a mile long completely paved path with picnic tables along the routes to the waterfalls. It's great for those who might not be able to hike on uneven surfaces or for families the small children. Also, the cleanest state park bathroom I have ever been to was here. There's even soap!

    One of the views along the hike

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jason V.
    239
    1462
    25730

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim R.
    180
    1111
    3118

    4 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    A short but still amazing hike that many, many people can enjoy due to the ADA-accessible path.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Doi S.
    16
    96
    74

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shantel B.
    75
    113
    116

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Beautiful views of the gorge. Follow the creek up there is a nice secluded water fall. Kid friendly, most go

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Starvation Creek State Park

    Review Highlights - Starvation Creek State Park

    Starvation Creek State Park is situated right on Highway 30 and, if you didn't know better, you could mistake it for merely a rest stop.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 347 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Hamilton Mountain Trail - Picnic tables

    Hamilton Mountain Trail

    5.0(10 reviews)
    9.4 mi

    When researching hiking trails to add to our vacation itinerary, I chose Hamilton Mountain Trail…read morebecause of the waterfalls..Pool of The Winds, Hardy Falls, & Rodney Falls and also, because it was located across the way from Beacon Rock. It was perfect weather for our hike on September 3, 2021 & it took my hubby & I almost 2 hours to hike up to the Pool of The Winds waterfall & back down. We did make multiple stops along the trail to take pictures/videos & to catch our breath. :)) While, I don't consider myself an avid hiker, I do consider myself in pretty good shape BUT I did NOT feel in good shape a few times during our hike up Hamilton Mountain! Going straight up that mountain is no joke! No worries though, I pulled through & made my way up that mountain & back down w/out any assistance...barely! :)) There are a few spots where the climb is very steep & slippery so be mindful of your steps. For sure having actual hiking boots would have served me better than the running shoes, I had on. Okay, so enough of my "out of shape" info..let's move on to the awesomeness of Hamilton Mountain Trail. As you are climbing up the trail, you're surrounded by huge trees & everything around you is so still & just peaceful. There is a small bench for sitting along the way & if you keep going pass that, you eventually come to an open clearing and the waterfalls. The waterfalls themselves are just so awesome! Mother Nature really is displaying her best work when you're standing right next to a waterfall! The Pool of The Winds waterfall was my favorite & there's a bridge right beneath it that is the perfect picture backdrop. I also wanted to add that it wasn't crowded at all during our visit & we did go on a Saturday around 2:30pm. Lastly, there was plenty of parking & a restroom at the beginning of the trail head. Hope this info helps! ~Rebecca out

    We hiked Beacon Rock the day before, and this trail is right across the street. In fact, you can…read moreget a good view of Beacon Rock through the trees from the Upper Parking Lot. The hike to Rodney Falls and Pool of the Winds seemed do-able, and we had a short amount of time, so we thought we could knock it out. As we started out, we learned that it had a pretty steep incline, and was a bit of a butt burner on the way up. I'm not an avid hiker, so let's just say I had a bit of a rough time (gasp) with lots of stops for photos (read: to catch my breathe). There are tons of trees for shade, with a few sun spots here and there. Just as I thought I couldn't hike another step, a fellow hiker offered encouragement, letting me know it was just a few minutes farther. And boy was it worth it. Pool of the Winds is a gorgeous falls with a clear pool of mountain water. And there are several spots to get good views of Rodney Falls and to continue on the hike if you choose (I did not!). Easy time going down. Quite a few people had hiking poles, to make it easier on the knees. I'd call this a success! (even with sore legs for a day or two afterward).

    Photos
    Hamilton Mountain Trail - Columbia River

    Columbia River

    Hamilton Mountain Trail - Bathrooms

    Bathrooms

    Hamilton Mountain Trail - Columbia River

    See all

    Columbia River

    Dry Creek Falls Hike

    Dry Creek Falls Hike

    4.8(10 reviews)
    10.2 mi

    Beautiful hike. How to get to the hike you have to drive down a long gravel road I recommend…read moredriving a suv or a car you don't care about it's a tight trail at some points so you will get scratches on ur vehicle but the hike is amazing one of my new favorites

    This is a beautiful hike! If you follow all trails map, it will start you at the bridge of the…read moregods trailhead. There is another lot a couple of blocks away. The bridge of the gods trailhead does not have a lot of parking. If you do park there, cost is $5 cash for the day be sure to bring that with you. Bathrooms are open. There are trash cans at the parking lot. The views of the bridge of the gods are stunning from the parking lot. the first bit of the trail is a little bit loud. It is very cool to be on the PCT. Especially if you are not from the area. It is nice to have had my feet touch a small portion of the PCT, hopefully someday there will be more. The trail is very green and lush. It is also well signed and marked. The birds were singing. I arrived at 730 am and was the 2nd car in the lot. I didn't see anyone out until i was on my way back down and in my last 3/4 of a mile. From reading reviews on all trails though it can get busy so best to know where the other parking lot is in case you can't get a spot at the bridge of the gods trailhead parking lot. The trail has a gentle but steady incline from the get go. The falls at the end are of course lovely. If i were in the area again i would do this one again.

    Photos
    Dry Creek Falls Hike
    Dry Creek Falls Hike
    Dry Creek Falls Hike

    See all

    Gillette Lake Hike - View of Gillette Lake from the trail on the way there.

    Gillette Lake Hike

    4.0(3 reviews)
    12.1 mi

    Moderate difficulty hike that's 5.4 miles from the North Bonneville Trailhead to Gillette Lake. I…read morerecommend looking up the trail on the gorgefriends.org website for directions and additional helpful info. You do have to pay to park at the trailhead unless you already have a Northwest Forest Pass (it's currently a $5 day-use fee to park if you don't have that pass). There's a couple pit toilets and picnic tables at the trailhead parking lot as well. The trail is dirt in some sections and loose gravel/rocks in others. There are sections of inclines as well, so along with the rocky sections of trail, some people may prefer to use trek poles for stability. The incline sections aren't too long and it's a good mix of up and down, so you don't get too winded of you're in relatively good shape. It's also a nice mix of shaded sections in the forest, and open areas in the sun. There's nice views of the surrounding area in the upper open sections and the lake itself is quite pretty. There aren't any benches at the lake, though, so plan on sitting on the ground, or bring your own camp chair, if you want to hang out at the lake a bit. There also isn't a lot of open shoreline, either, so keep that in mind.

    This is a super easy hike. You follow the trail from the Bonneville dam trailhead for about 1/2…read moremile, until it connects with the Pacific Crest Trail. Hang a left, and it's 2 miles to Gillette Lake. The trail has a mix of Forrest, clear-cut, and rocky talus. While the clear-cut is a little depressing, it does allow for some nice views throughout the hike. You pass by another lake on the way to Gillette, and there is a nice stream just past the lake. You can continue up the Pacific Crest Trail for as long as you like. There is a decent little loop about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile past Gillette lake. It's worth it if you want to add a few miles onto the hike. There is supposedly a viewpoint or overlook up this way, but we did not find it. The trail is fairly muddy if you hike in winter. But this is a nice alternative to many of the very hard hikes out here in the gorge. A great Sunday outing for the family. There is a fee to park, unless you have a Northwest forest pass or a Discover pass. I think the fee is five dollars. There are some pit toilets at the trailhead if you need that sort of thing.

    Photos
    Gillette Lake Hike - Gillette Lake comes into view along the trail.

    Gillette Lake comes into view along the trail.

    Gillette Lake Hike - 1-18-14

    1-18-14

    Gillette Lake Hike

    See all

    Ponytail Falls

    Ponytail Falls

    4.5(2 reviews)
    9.2 mi

    Ponytail Falls is also known as UPPER HORSETAIL FALLS in the heart of the waterfall section of the…read moreColumbia River Gorge. It's an easy reach and visit for everyone. It's located 4/10th's of a mile along Horsetail Falls Trail, which is a pleasant hike through the forest. For everyone that comes to check out Horsetail Falls, which sits right beside the Historic Columbia River Highway, I'd suggest at least doing the hike up to Ponytail Falls. It's worth it. It may not be as grand as Multnomah Falls (which is obviously in a league of its own), but I'd categorize in the second tier rankings of waterfalls around the area. When you see the Horsetail Falls Trailhead sign, there will be NO MENTION of Ponytail Falls. It'll specifically say Upper Horsetail Falls (which will be your cue for Ponytail Falls) and that it's 4/10th's of a mile to reach. Ponytail Falls (or Upper Horsetail Falls...I know I'm getting redundant, lol) is 88 feet tall and splashes down into a pool of water. You can go swimming in it, but when I stopped by in late August, temperatures were still pretty cold. Also great about Ponytail Falls is that the trail navigates about 270 degrees around and right underneath the waterfall. You can catch dramatic views watching behind the falls as the charging water splashes down below. Plus, the surroundings hiking into the lower bowl where the waterfall is situated, can offer undisturbed vantage points from almost any angle. It doesn't take long to experience Ponytail Falls, especially if you're turning around and heading back to the trailhead below. But if you do continue on Horsetail Falls Trail, there are cool glances from the tree line horizon looking down on the Columbia River Gorge from high up. Plus, you can connect with the Oneonta Trail leading to Triple Falls Waterfall (which gets slightly difficult the higher you climb) or continue towards the right hand side where the pathway navigates throughout the forest before returning back down to the road. Overall, although it may be rewardingly efficient to see Horsetail Falls and then immediately return to your car and heads towards the next activity around the Columbia River Gorge, I'd keep in mind making the effort to hike to Ponytail Falls. I think it's impressionable and you'll get to check off two waterfalls right near each other for the price of one admission.

    Great hike went on a not sunny day had the place completely alone to enjoy it very beautiful hikeread more

    Photos
    Ponytail Falls - You can walk underneath Ponytail Falls which is always a rewarding aspect for any waterfall visit.

    You can walk underneath Ponytail Falls which is always a rewarding aspect for any waterfall visit.

    Ponytail Falls - July 2024

    July 2024

    Ponytail Falls - You can sit on the rocks for picture moments with Ponytail Falls. You can even go swimming in the water if it's not too cold.

    See all

    You can sit on the rocks for picture moments with Ponytail Falls. You can even go swimming in the water if it's not too cold.

    Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

    Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

    4.9(10 reviews)
    9.8 mi

    The scenic highway is about 10 miles long with single lanes in each direction. Alongside six…read morewaterfalls, there are several viewpoints including Vista House, a museum and a conference center. Parking lots are available near Multnomah, Bridal's Veil and Latourell falls. The parking fee is $12 for all lots for the day. It took us about 2.5 hours to drive from Multnomah falls to all the way down to end of the highway. The duration varies based on the time spent on each of the location along the way. The highway is in good condition, I didn't notice any ditch or broken patches. Up from the hill, most of the drive had stunning view of the Columbia river, the banks and surrounding landscape. The I-84 interstate runs along some part of the drive, adding some excitement with the high speed traffic. All in all it is one of the must visit places for anyone visiting Portland, Oregon.

    Extraordinarily beautiful! Whether you are taking a drive, riding your bike, or hiking the trail,…read morethe historic Columbia River Highway (Scenic Hwy 30) is a must experience. As you follow the twists and turns of the road, incredible vistas of the Columbia River, the basalt cliffs of the gorge and the rolling hills dotted with orchards and farms awaken all of your senses. This is incredible territory and makes you understand why the early settlers came from far away to live here! Accolades to the Civic Engineering team who built the the many stone guardrails with arches, meticulous work to creat the symmetry, and the many tunnels along the way. The tunnels were cut right into the rock cliff. Amazing! over 100 years later, we are still marveling at the engineering feat and using this road, tunnels and bridges to explore this marvelous country. In several areas there are white metal guardrails that create a stunning contrast to all the green and blue along the way. The road starts around Corbett - make sure to stop At Chanticleer Point for the most amazing view, the Crown Point and Vista House for more - and continue to Hood River and then Mosier, a quant and charming town of just 430. Along the way there are dozens of trails to hike, look out points to pull over, and waterfalls to see from the road. This route never gets boring. Every day is different based in the sun, clouds, blooms and foliage. it's living art and it makes me happy every single time I am traveling this route. Breathe it all in, it's good for the soul!

    Photos
    Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
    Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
    Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

    See all

    Starvation Creek State Park - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...