
Starvation Creek State Park Oregon
Discover multiple stunning waterfalls, including the unique Hole-in-the-Wall Falls, in this serene Oregon gem. A perfect stop along the Columbia River...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serenity

Starvation Creek State Park Oregon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serenity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover multiple stunning waterfalls, including the unique Hole-in-the-Wall Falls, in this serene Oregon gem. A perfect stop along the Columbia River Gorge.
"Great location for an easy hike to see multiple waterfalls. Nice and quiet, plenty of parking."

🚗 Eastbound Access Only!
Remember, you can only access the park from the eastbound lanes of I-84. Plan accordingly! :round_pushpin:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While main paths are easy, some scrambles to falls are steep & rocky. Wear good shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Starvation Creek Falls
Main trail
A majestic cascade tumbling down a moss-covered cliff face, offering a truly serene experience.

Hole-in-the-Wall Falls
Historic Columbia River Highway Trail
An engineered marvel turned natural sanctuary, this waterfall bursts through a cliffside wall.

Cabin Creek Falls
Trail loop
Discover this unique waterfall on a loop trail, adding another gem to your waterfall quest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Falls
Trail Conditions & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Eastbound Access Only!
Remember, you can only access the park from the eastbound lanes of I-84. Plan accordingly! :round_pushpin:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While main paths are easy, some scrambles to falls are steep & rocky. Wear good shoes! :athletic_shoe:
💧 See Multiple Falls
Hike to Starvation Creek, Cabin Creek, and Hole-in-the-Wall Falls for a diverse experience. :hiking_boot:
🤫 Quiet & Serene
Visit on a weekday for a peaceful escape and enjoy the falls with fewer people. :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Eastbound Access Only!
Remember, you can only access the park from the eastbound lanes of I-84. Plan accordingly! :round_pushpin:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While main paths are easy, some scrambles to falls are steep & rocky. Wear good shoes! :athletic_shoe:
💧 See Multiple Falls
Hike to Starvation Creek, Cabin Creek, and Hole-in-the-Wall Falls for a diverse experience. :hiking_boot:
🤫 Quiet & Serene
Visit on a weekday for a peaceful escape and enjoy the falls with fewer people. :sparkles:
🥪 Picnic Spot
Tables by the falls make it a great spot for a lunch break amidst nature. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the park's accessibility to multiple stunning waterfalls, describing it as a serene and beautiful place. The ease of reaching Starvation Creek Falls, Cabin Creek Falls, and Hole-in-the-Wall Falls is a major highlight, though some note the need for sturdy shoes for steeper scrambles. The historical context adds depth to the experience.
"Great view of some waterfalls, I bicycle through and had both falls all to my self. A great place very serene."
d s
"Great location for an easy hike to see multiple waterfalls. Nice and quiet, plenty of parking when we stopped here on a weekday early afternoon. Starvation creek falls, cabin creek falls, and hole in the wall falls are all spectacular; each being unique in their own way. The path is wide and flat to access each location, but to get up to the falls, there are some steep and rocky scrambles. Nothing too difficult. Only downside is the road noise coming off of Rt 84."
Brad Andresen
"Really neat little place with waterfall and walking trails, a little info board telling the history of how it got named that. You can only access from the eastbound side of the highway, so if you think "i'll have to stop there on my return trip" you will miss out. It is really a beautiful place. And there's a bathroom, so it's a nice place to have lunch at the tables by the falls. It's not hard to get to and very close to the parking lot."
Calaina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Portland, take I-84 East. The park is directly accessible from the eastbound lanes. If you are coming from the west, you'll need to plan your visit on your eastbound journey or find a safe place to U-turn.
Yes, it's located right off I-84. Look for the signs for Starvation Creek State Park. Parking is available, but can fill up quickly on busy days.
Unfortunately, direct access is only from the eastbound lanes. You'll need to plan your visit when heading east or make a U-turn if safe and possible.
There is a parking lot available. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, as it can get crowded.
Public transportation options are limited for direct access to state parks in the Columbia River Gorge. Driving is the most common and convenient way to visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Starvation Creek State Park is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee for day use. Parking is also typically free.
State parks in Oregon are typically open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official Oregon State Parks website for any specific alerts or temporary closures.
No, advance booking is not required for general day use. You can visit anytime during park hours.
For general day use and hiking, no special permits are usually required. If you plan on any group events or specific activities, it's best to contact the park management.
The park is named after a tragic event in 1884 when a train got stuck in heavy snow, leading to starvation for passengers. An informational board at the park details this history.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors highly recommend seeing Starvation Creek Falls, Cabin Creek Falls, and Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. Each offers a unique perspective and beauty.
The main paths are wide and flat, making them accessible. However, reaching the base of some waterfalls involves steep and rocky scrambles, so sturdy footwear is advised.
Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted directly at the base of the waterfalls due to safety concerns and strong currents. The focus is on viewing the cascades.
Absolutely! The waterfalls, lush greenery, and unique rock formations make it a photographer's paradise. Early morning or late afternoon light can be particularly stunning.
Yes, there are restrooms available, making it a convenient stop for a break or a picnic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Starvation Creek State Park itself. It's a natural area focused on outdoor recreation.
Yes, the park has picnic tables available, especially near the falls, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature.
The nearest dining options are in nearby towns like Cascade Locks or Hood River, which offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, and breweries.
Typically, there are no regular food trucks or vendors operating within the state park. It's best to bring your own food and drinks.
Cascade Locks offers a range of options, including local eateries. One unique recommendation is for smoked salmon from the local Native American community.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints near each of the main waterfalls – Starvation Creek Falls, Cabin Creek Falls, and Hole-in-the-Wall Falls – offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light, with softer shadows and a golden glow. Midday can be harsh, but still offers dramatic waterfall shots.
While any camera can capture the beauty, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a tripod can help achieve longer exposures for silky smooth water effects. Even a smartphone can capture stunning images with good composition.
General photography is allowed. However, drone usage may be restricted in state parks. It's always best to check the official Oregon State Parks regulations regarding drones before flying.
Hole-in-the-Wall Falls offers unique perspectives, with the water cascading through a man-made opening in the cliff. Capture the interplay of water and rock.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For an educational element, the informational board detailing the park's history can spark curiosity in older children. While the park itself doesn't have playgrounds, the adventure of exploring waterfalls and the natural environment is often entertainment enough. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for the varied terrain.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road-Trippers
Remember the crucial detail: access is primarily from the eastbound lanes of I-84. If you're on a road trip, plan to visit when heading east. The picnic facilities make it a perfect spot to break up a long drive with a scenic lunch. Combine a visit here with other nearby Gorge attractions for a full day of exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waterfalls
While the main paths are generally easy and wide, reaching the base of some of these falls requires navigating steep and rocky terrain. This means wearing appropriate footwear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. The park's accessibility from I-84 makes it a popular stop, but visiting on a weekday morning can offer a more tranquil encounter with these natural wonders.
Beyond the main attractions, the park's history adds a layer of poignancy. An informational board details the origin of its name, stemming from a tragic train incident in the late 1800s. This blend of natural beauty and historical context makes Starvation Creek State Park a memorable destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Navigating the Columbia River Gorge
For those seeking viewpoints without strenuous hikes, the Columbia River Gorge offers several accessible options. While Vista House is a popular choice, exploring the various state parks and pull-offs along the historic Columbia River Highway can reveal hidden gems. The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail, which passes near Starvation Creek, is a fantastic way to experience the gorge's scenery at a more leisurely pace, often with fewer crowds than the main highway viewpoints.
When exploring the Gorge, remember that weather can change rapidly. It's always wise to be prepared for varying conditions, especially if venturing onto trails. The sheer scale and beauty of the Gorge, from its towering cliffs to its powerful waterfalls, make it a must-visit region in Oregon, with Starvation Creek State Park serving as a delightful and accessible introduction.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit