Starvation Creek State Park

Zooming eastbound down Interstate 84, you might very well miss this tiny park.

The final section crosses a talus slope at Shellrock Mountain, where fences offer protection from falling rocks.

The following devices are not allowed: electric scooters, mountain boards, electric unicycles, and other similar devices.

For more information, please call Viento State Park at 541-374-8811.

Nestled at the base of the sheer walls of the Columbia Gorge, the park’s namesake Starvation Creek Waterfall is just over a boardwalk, 50 feet from the parking area.

Picnic tables feature views of the falls. This park is also a trailhead for the paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail that traces the original historic highway.

This section of trail travels through thick fir forests and lush undergrowth—moss often carpets portions of the paved trail.

Near Hole-in-the Wall Falls, hikers will find the trailhead for Mount Defiance Trail (#413) .

For trail information, see our Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail bicycle and hiking map.

When the forest breaks, look for views across the Columbia River into Washington. Hikers and bikers can also head west 4.

6 miles to Wyeth Campground and trailhead, passing Cabin Creek Falls, Hole-in-the-Wall Falls and Lancaster Falls before climbing to an impressive view of the Gorge.

Know Before You Go Dogs are allowed on trails, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. E-bikes are allowed on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.

Land was purchased from private owners between 1930 and 1960. There are two theories on the origin of the name Starvation Creek. It is said that a party of overland pioneers nearly starved here for lack of provisions. The place also was called Starveout after two Union Pacific Railroad trains were stalled in the area by heavy snows in the winter of 1884-1885. For some days, the passengers were kept from starvation by men who packed supplies from Hood River on skis.