3 Apr 2021: Moderate. Challenging but not dangerous for intermediate canyoneers (class C1 = a4).
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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.
45.6869, -121.6885
45.6883, -121.6904
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