Starvation Ridge Trail #414

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Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views

This trail, (as well as with the Mount Defiance Trail #413 immediately to the west), is considered one of the most demanding trails in the Columbia River Gorge, winter or summer. You approach its start from the parking at Starvation Ridge Creek Rest Area on Interstate-84 (I-84); there is also a restrooms here. Note that you cannot return to I-84 westbound from here—you can only continue eastbound.

To reach the start of this trail, head along Mount Defiance Trail #413 from the parking area. This is a paved path heading west next to I-84 for several hundred feet before it becomes gravel. At 0.25 miles from the trailhead, you'll reach the junction with the Starvation Ridge Trail #414 (some maps may show this as the Starvation Ridge Cutoff Trail #414B). Further west on the #413 is a junction with the "easier" (less abrupt) start of the #414. However, most hikers start up from the first junction.

After 0.3 miles of steep switchbacks, the #414 connects with the "easy" start trail and continues up via more switchbacks to pass beneath a power line on a ridge, where you can get a good view up and down the Columbia River. The #414 then goes back into the trees and, as it name implies, goes right up the ridge. The relentless climbing is relieved by occassional views of the gorge and some of the Cascade volcanos.

At about 2.7 miles from its start, the #414 passes south of Point 2786, traverses east into a drainage, climbs a series of switchbacks, and crosses a boulder field to end at its junction with the Mitchell Point Trail #417.

Note that the trail shown on some maps (and called the "Warren Lake" Trail on some) seemingly connecting the #414 with the #417 near Warren Lake does not exist and is not a short-cut to the lake—stay on the #414.