Difference between revisions of "Mount Defiance from Columbia River Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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At 4,959 feet, [[Mount Defiance]] is the highest point normally recognized as being part of the [[Columbia River Gorge]]. This hike, along with the accompanying [[Defiance-Starvation Loop Hike]], are commonly referred to as the most difficult day hikes in our region, starting at a mere 130 feet above sea level at Oregon's Starvation Creek State Park along Interstate 84. From there, it's a long way up, comparable to the vertical distance between [[Timberline Lodge]] and the summit of [[Mount Hood]], making Mt. Defiance an excellent training hike for mountaineers in late winter or early spring. In warmer months, it's simply a spectacular day-long adventure. | At 4,959 feet, [[Mount Defiance]] is the highest point normally recognized as being part of the [[Columbia River Gorge]]. This hike, along with the accompanying [[Defiance-Starvation Loop Hike]], are commonly referred to as the most difficult day hikes in our region, starting at a mere 130 feet above sea level at Oregon's Starvation Creek State Park along Interstate 84. From there, it's a long way up, comparable to the vertical distance between [[Timberline Lodge]] and the summit of [[Mount Hood]], making Mt. Defiance an excellent training hike for mountaineers in late winter or early spring. In warmer months, it's simply a spectacular day-long adventure. | ||
Revision as of 17:00, 21 May 2018
- Start point: Starvation Creek Trailhead
- End point:Mount Defiance
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type:Out and Back
- Distance: 10.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 4840 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Seasons: May-Oct
- Family Friendly: No
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
At 4,959 feet, Mount Defiance is the highest point normally recognized as being part of the Columbia River Gorge. This hike, along with the accompanying Defiance-Starvation Loop Hike, are commonly referred to as the most difficult day hikes in our region, starting at a mere 130 feet above sea level at Oregon's Starvation Creek State Park along Interstate 84. From there, it's a long way up, comparable to the vertical distance between Timberline Lodge and the summit of Mount Hood, making Mt. Defiance an excellent training hike for mountaineers in late winter or early spring. In warmer months, it's simply a spectacular day-long adventure.
You'll start by heading westward on the Mount Defiance Trail, walking on the Historic Columbia River Highway which runs alongside I-84 from the Starvation Creek rest area. After about 0.2 mile, you'll be at a trail junction with the Starvation Cutoff Trail #414B. Continue west on the historic highway and you'll soon come to Cabin Creek Falls. There's a mammoth boulder here that's fallen from the cliffs to a spot in front of the waterfall, creating a kind of amphitheater. A short distance later, the trail leaves the old highway and crosses Warren Creek at Hole in the Wall Falls. This waterfall was created in 1938, when highway crews blasted a tunnel to divert Warren Creek away from the road. From here, the trail begins gently climbing to a junction with the Starvation Ridge Trail #414 and then on to Lancaster Falls. The lower tier of Lancaster falls directly on the trail, but the real show is hidden above another huge rock. The upper tier is well worth the trip, but it's a tricky scramble up a loose slope filled with Oregon grape, loose rocks, and sneaky little poison oak plants.
From here, it's up, and we mean up. The trail begins switchbacking up the side of the Gorge almost immediately. You'll gain over 3,000 feet in elevation over the next three miles, crossing the boundary into the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Somewhere around the 3,500-foot level, the timber clears to reveal a rocky, open environment with spectacular views at every turn, and the abundant scree creates an ambiance that feels more alpine than the elevation would merit on its own. After five miles, you'll come to a junction with the Warren Lake Trail #417.
Now, it's back to climbing, as if it ever really gave up. There's another 700 feet to gain in this last half mile. About halfway up this last pitch, you'll come to a trail junction with the Defiance Cutoff Trail. This trail slabs around the west side of Mt. Defiance, providing views of Bear Lake. You're going up, though, so stick to the main trail and reach the summit of Mount Defiance. The disappointment here is that there are radio towers and even (gasp) pickups carrying service workers to the site. Furthermore, trees have begun to encroach upon the views. On the other hand, on the way up, you've seen Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens, Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, Chinidere Mountain, Indian Mountain, Tomlike Mountain, Larch Mountain, Dog Mountain, Wind Mountain, Cook Hill... (Insert your favorite mountain here). Be sure to pick a day with clear weather and unlimited visibility to get the most reward for your efforts.
The return for this hike is the same path you came up on, knee pounding though it may be.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or restrictions, etc
- None
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Guidebooks that cover this hike
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Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)