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 Reporter |
Summary: Starvation Ridge trail begins in the same location as the Mt. Defiance trail hike. But after the first mile they split going up two different ridge lines to the top. If you choose this route you will enjoy some breathtaking views of the Columbia Gorge and eventually find yourself at Warren Lake. From this point you can make a couple of trail choices. You could continue on to the top of Mt. Defiance and then return to the trailhead via the Defiance trail, or backtrack along the Starvation trail, or you could turn around at Warren Lake and head for home. Many hikers choose to ascend on the Mt. Defiance trail and descend on the Starvation Ridge trail. Either way the views and exercise are worth your efforts. Trailhead: To find the trailhead you must follow I-84 to exit 55 the Starvation Creek State Park rest area. If you are coming westbound there is no exit and you have to go past to the Cascade locks exit and backtrack. Once at the parking lot the trail begins by taking you along the shoulder of I-84 (behind a fence) for almost a mile before the uphill begins. Along this first mile is where you will see waterfalls and creeks. Do not be fooled by this easy beginning, as once the trail turns uphill it begins a long and sometimes steep climb to Warren Lake. (Lat:45.68843 Lon:-121.69026) Trail Guides for Starvation Ridge Trail - Oregon: Hiking the Columbia River Gorge by Russ Schneider (Falcon Guide) 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon by William L. Sullivan (Navillus Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Hood River Ranger Station 6780 Highway 35 Mt. hood-Parkdale, OR (541) 352-6002 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Drew Furnia, who has posted 23 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by EDW on 12/25/2005 This hike it tough, but worth it in some Calvinistic point of view. Beyond the difficulty I would rate the trail as a three for views. The best scenery is of the gorge and that can be found at many locations. A better options so you don't have to try to zen with the radio towers is Nesmith Point. Almost as hard with a much better area to relax at the top. 
Reviewed by Chris on 3/15/2005 The three star rating is defined as "pleasant, but wouldn't hike again". It is incorrect to call this hike "pleasant". Grueling is better. But it is not without rewards. Warren Lake was clad in fall colors when I went there and Mount Defiance is awesome, despite the radio tower to diminish ones feeling of a wilderness experience. At the point that the trail temporarily leaves the National Forest it is required to navigate ones way through a clearcut. At least when I went (some years ago) this was confusing. Starvation Ridge is almost as tough as the Mount Defiance trail, but since it is less known you won't get the bragging rights!
Reviewed by Derek on 2/6/2005 I did this 2/2/05 and did not meet a soul but did photograph a Mtn. lion track in the snow near Mt. Defiance. I went up Starvation Creek trail headed left up the road to the summit. 3.5hrs. to summit. I attempted to head down the Mt. Defiance trail but could not continue to locate the trail due to snow. I went back to Starvation Creek trail to Warren Lake which was mostly frozen over with ice. There were snow patches betwen Starvation Creek and Mt. Defiance trail. From summit to Mt. Defiance trail it took me 1hr w/stopping for pictures. I then went down Mt. Defiance trail back to exit 55 in 2 more hours w/stops for pictures. I recommend going up Starvation Creek and coming down Mt. Defiance trail which is smoother&you can jog.
Reviewed by Micaela on 8/7/2003 This hike is rather strenuous, but is well worth it. Warren Lake is a nice stopping point for lunch on the way to the top of Mt. Definance. The top of Mt. Definance is great, except for the radio tower you have to share the view with. Mt. Defiance is also a great training hike for Mt. Hood or Adams. There are several different trails spurring off the main trail so be sure you have GPS or know where you are going. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Hood River County Hiking, Hood River County Trails, Hood River County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||