Starvation Creek

Starvation Creek State Park is a small but scenic park in the Columbia River Gorge, named for a historic incident when a train was stranded here by snow in 1884. The park provides access to a beautiful waterfall and connects to the historic Columbia River Highway Trail. The easy waterfall hike makes this a popular gorge stop.

The gorge forests support wildlife typical of the western Cascades. Black-tailed deer and occasional black bears inhabit the area. American dippers bob in Starvation Creek while various songbirds nest in the forest. The creek provides habitat for native amphibians.

The lush temperate rainforest includes Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and western red cedar. The understory is carpeted with sword fern and Oregon grape. Mosses and lichens drape the trees. Wildflowers including bleeding heart and trillium bloom in spring.

Starvation Creek Falls drops over basalt cliffs formed by ancient lava flows. The Columbia River Gorge was carved by the river and further sculpted by the catastrophic Missoula Floods. The falls occur where the creek crosses resistant basalt layers.

The park experiences the wet climate of the western gorge. Annual precipitation approaches 80 inches. Summers are mild, while winters are cool and wet. The gorge can experience strong winds from pressure differences between the coast and interior. Ice storms occasionally occur in winter.

The Chinookan peoples lived throughout the gorge for thousands of years. The park's name comes from a December 1884 incident when a train was stranded here for weeks by heavy snowfall. Passengers reportedly nearly starved before rescue. The area became accessible when highways were built through the gorge.

Starvation Creek State Park was established to protect the scenic waterfall and provide public access. The park has developed facilities for day use and connects to the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail. Oregon State Parks maintains the trails and picnic areas.

A short paved trail leads to viewpoints of Starvation Creek Falls. The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail passes through, offering extended hiking opportunities. Picnic facilities make this a pleasant rest stop. The waterfall is accessible year-round.

The park provides restrooms and picnic facilities. The waterfall trail is ADA accessible. Located along Interstate 84 at exit 55, about 45 miles east of Portland. Day-use only with no camping. The park is open year-round.

The park protects the waterfall and surrounding forest within the National Scenic Area framework. Trail improvements prevent erosion while maintaining accessibility. The park participates in regional gorge conservation efforts. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty while the site is protected for future generations.