Starvation Creek

Starvation Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Also known as: Starvation Creek Falls.

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.0 (8 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3C II (v3a4 II) Swift water Raps:‌3, max ↨130ft Metric Overall: Approach:  ⟷1.4mi  ↑1050ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger
Start:	45.6869, -121.6885
Parking:	45.6883, -121.6904
Condition Reports:	26 Apr 2025 "The approach was long but ok, and we picked up a few ticks along the way. Creek flow was excellent—moderate and very enjoyable. Flow seems to track
Weather:
Best season:	May-Sept winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Pacific Northwest  Oregon Washington Columbia River Gorge  Oregon Side

http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/nws/falls.php?num=3886

45.6869, -121.688545.6883, -121.6904https://ropewiki.com/images/e/e5/Starvation_Creek.kmltopo

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Reference photos

3 Apr 2021: Moderate. Challenging but not dangerous for intermediate canyoneers (class C1 = a4).

These reference pictures are used in the Waterflow analysis to predict current conditions. More reference pictures will produce a more reliable prediction.

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Welcome! Canyons in the Pacific Northwest can be different from those you might be used to. Be ready for unlinked bolts, retrievable traverse lines, and challenging aquatic environments. For more on local practices, and the best way to get started in the region, check out the WCC Safety page. Unlinked Bolts - groups should be comfortable rigging unlinked bolts, either temporarily linking them for all but the last person, or using a passive redundancy method. Most importantly, if you find two bolts side by side that are unlinked, do not add webbing to them. Linking bolts designed to be unlinked will likely cause damage during seasonal floods. Traverse Lines - many canyons are rigged to allow traverse line access to an exposed anchor station. This should be done using self-belay or team belay techniques. Do not leave fixed lines in the canyons. Challenging Environments - the highly aquatic nature of PNW canyons can surprise many. Cold temperatures, slippery rocks, loud waterfalls, and strong currents all lead to unexpected problems. Do not underestimate the need for strong team work and technical proficiency. Belays are frequently not possible. Unattended gear will sink or float away. Sliding and jumping is the cause of most major injuries, so it's critical to effectively communicating water depth & submerged hazards.

Introduction

Starvation Creek Falls is located in the state park of the same name. The falls is just adjacent the rest area off I-84 at exit 55. (N.B. The rest area is accessible via I-84 eastbound only.) The falls is quite popular with passersby, so it's best to keep a low profile, make a good impression, and don't overstay your welcome.

• Watershed: 1.05mi^2. Highest point in the drainage is about 3800ft elevation.
• Checkpoint: From the parking area, walk east up the bike path and south to the base of the falls.

Approach

Hike up the Starvation Ridge trail until about 1250ft elevation. Just as you begin climbing the ridge in earnest, break off the trail, and scramble/bushwhack downward some 600ft into the drainage for Starvation Creek. Be prepared for a steep drop with loose soil and a high potential for poison oak. Helmet and gloves are recommended before dropping off the ridge.

• If the Starvation Cutoff trail is closed, the approach is longer. Head west on the bike path to Hole-in-the-Wall Falls, cross the bridge and follow the trail upwards 0.2mi to a junction. Turn left here on the Starvation Ridge trail and follow it back east.

Descent

• R1 - Tree DCR about 10 feet back from the edge. The drop is about 60ft.
• R2 - Tree DCR 130ft. Taking a DCL line puts you in heavy flow down to a small platform with a single bolt about 10 ft above another flat area (R3).
  • A DCR line keeps you out of the heaviest flow and allows you to choose to land on the upper or lower platform. Pulling from the upper platform is easier.
• R3 - Bolt station DCR, 100 ft.

Exit

Follow the trail 200ft back to the parking area.

Red tape

None.

Trip reports and media

• Waterfalls NorthWest

Background

First known descent by Haruka James Clay Lipscomb, Michael Peterson, and Ryan Ernst.

Credits

Starvation Creek

Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).