One easy hike and 4 Columbia Gorge Waterfalls on this Waterfall Wednesday
This 1.9-mile out-and-back trail near Cascade Locks, Oregon is a section of the soon to be complete Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. It’s considered an easy route and takes an average of 46 min to complete. This is a very popular area for running and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Start at Starvation Creek State Park. From the Old Parkdale Inn head down to Hood River and Interstate 84. Travel west to Exit 51, Wyeth, and get back on the interstate east towards Starvation Creek State Park exit. There isn’t a west bound exit. The trail to Lancaster Falls starts here
- Starvation Creek Falls – the best waterfall accessible from the Starvation Creek State Park area. The powerful fall drops out of a narrow channel and into a natural bowl, where the creek spills out and down to a rocky mess before cascading past a picnic area and on to the Columbia River.
- Cabin Creek Falls – The falls drop from a razor thin crack in the adjacent cliff, bouncing once on a small shelf, then dropping to the trail. Gets dryer and dryer as the summer progesses.
- Hole-In-The-Wall Falls or Warren Falls as it was known before it’s course was changed in 1938. ‘If a road is washed out by a stream, the road is usually repaired because it’s the most practical thing to do. Well, apparently in the early 20th century, practicality was not of great concern. The original Columbia River Highway was constructed paralleling close to Warren Creek’s major waterfall, Warren Falls. During high water, the creek would often wash out the road, so, rather than repairing or just moving the road, in 1938 someone decided to move the waterfall. A tunnel was blasted through the adjacent cliff, through which the creek was diverted, and Hole-in-the-Wall Falls was born.’ Northwest Waterfall Survey
- Lancaster Falls – The trail passes immediately below the falls, allowing up close access to the final 35 feet of the falls. However this is just a fraction of a much taller waterfall. read more for a strenuous access to the Upper Falls.
As fall settles into the Pacific Northwest, storms begin to roll in, feeding Oregon’s magnificent waterfalls with even more power and beauty. Don’t let a little rain keep you away—this is when the cascades are at their most breathtaking. Once winter snow arrives, many falls become harder to reach (though still possible for the adventurous with the right gear). And with autumn’s brilliant foliage fast approaching, now is the perfect time to feel the mist of Oregon’s waterfalls on your face.
Our Chasing Waterfalls and Oregon Waterfall Wednesdays series continues. According to Northwest Waterfall Survey there are well over 1000 waterfalls in Oregon! We’ve set out to witness the beauty of as many as we can. We’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.
Peruse Chasing Waterfalls on our blog and while there explore Where To Stay. What To Do. Where To Eat. Where To Play. You’ll find a mountain of epic trip ideas for your next outdoor, cultural or culinary adventure in every corner of the state. Now more than two dozen inns are ready to help you plan your most EPIC Oregon road trip!
Get the Oregon Trail of Waterfall map and start the new year right with some Oregon inspiration. Our Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Map was created with your planning in mind. We included where to stay, things to do in Oregon, where to eat and of course, where to find some of the very best Oregon Waterfalls.
You’ll find a mountain of epic trip ideas for your next outdoor, cultural or culinary adventure in every corner of the state. Now more than two dozen inns are ready to help you plan your most EPIC Oregon road trip!
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
