Mt Defiance/Starvation Ridge -- 09/09/21

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smithsummit
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Joined: July 14th, 2020, 1:42 pm

Mt Defiance/Starvation Ridge -- 09/09/21

Post by smithsummit » September 10th, 2021, 1:26 pm

Howdy,

Taking time off from work this week to hike and meet up with a few people I haven't seen since before COVID.

The Mt. Defiance/Starvation ridge loop seemed like a good midweek bet to avoid crowds, take in Gorge views, and work off dessert from the night before. Arriving at the Starvation Ridge trailhead (7am) I found only one other car.

Miles: ~12.1 for the route below. I futzed around in few spots and clocked just over 13.
Elevation at the trailhead: 120
Elevation at Mt. Defiance summit: 4960
Total Elevation gain for the route: 5500
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The hike begins with a half mile on a paved multi-use path:
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Sun coming up; just after the initial climb up from the pavement. The Mt. Defiance trail doesn't really relent until the summit.
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The trail is frequently rocky and consistently steep.
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I didn't take photos for most of the Defiance climb. Views are limited and I was working hard. Closing in on the summit.
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The main route goes straight past this temporary sign for the last 6/10 mile. It is also possible to head right and circle around to the backside of the summit. I have taken the righthand option.
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Looking up NF2821 just below the summit. Has anybody driven to the summit? Seems like it would be a rough ride.
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The summit of Mt. Defiance is populated with transmission towers, buildings...
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Taking a break at the edge of the summit clearing before heading down to Warren Lake.
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The skies were smoky/hazy but Adams and St. Helens were still plainly visible. Fall colors are starting to show themselves. Poison oak along the trail is starting to turn a lovely shade of red.
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I saw only one other party all day; just above Warren Lake. Arriving at the lake... the temperature was perfect and I sat on a shady rock, watched the water, and snoozed for 45 minutes.
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Gorge views on Starvation Ridge are spectacular in places.
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Nearing the bottom of Starvation Ridge on an exposed knob. Views up and down the river.
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The cutoff is closed due to a washout where some trees took out the trail bench not far from the bottom. Looking at blackened bark, it seemed like fire blew through from 10 to 30 feet off the ground. Damage seemed fairly light.
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After a long day on the trail it was nice to soak my feet in the creek and contemplate where to find the best tamales for dinner.
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This is a challenging hike with great views. Consider wearing long pants/sleeves if you react to poison oak.

Cheers,

Rob
Last edited by smithsummit on September 11th, 2021, 8:04 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Chip Down
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Re: Mt Defiance/Starvation Ridge -- 09/09/21

Post by Chip Down » September 10th, 2021, 1:38 pm

Has anybody driven to the summit?
Of course, how do you think the tower crews arrive? :geek:

Okay, sorry. :lol:
I suspect it must be gated. I'd be surprised if us common folk are allowed to drive that road.

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lordgares
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Location: The Dalles

Re: Mt Defiance/Starvation Ridge -- 09/09/21

Post by lordgares » September 10th, 2021, 2:31 pm

I suspect it must be gated. I'd be surprised if us common folk are allowed to drive that road.
There was a closed gate at the Warren Lake trailhead 3-4 years ago but more recently it is no longer attached. I've never felt like testing that road vs my CR-V, it looks pretty rocky.
“Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.”
― Terry Pratchett, Jingo

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Don Nelsen
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Re: Mt Defiance/Starvation Ridge -- 09/09/21

Post by Don Nelsen » September 10th, 2021, 4:55 pm

I missed a turn on the way to Wahtum lake and found myself near the summit so went for it. It was not gated in the past, but may be now. It's very rocky for the final bit (4 to 6" dia. rocks, some even bigger) but with a good SUV or at least a high clearance vehicle and 4WD, no problem. I've seen vehicles up there on several hikes over the years. Motorcycles, too.

dn
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly

"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller

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Bosterson
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Re: Mt Defiance/Starvation Ridge -- 09/09/21

Post by Bosterson » September 10th, 2021, 5:11 pm

smithsummit wrote:
September 10th, 2021, 1:26 pm
The cutoff is closed for hazardous conditions after the fire.
The Starvation Cutoff is actually closed because of a washout where some trees took out the trail bench not far from the bottom - you can actually see it from the paved path a little before you reach the cutoff junction. The fire didn't go east of the main Defiance trail ridge.

Nice to see the fall color starting up there! I think Defiance is maybe best to visit in winter as it gets the best snow in the Gorge.
#pnw #bestlife #bitingflies #favoriteyellowcap #neverdispleased

Webfoot
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Re: Mt Defiance/Starvation Ridge -- 09/09/21

Post by Webfoot » September 10th, 2021, 7:54 pm

smithsummit wrote:
September 10th, 2021, 1:26 pm
Has anybody driven to the summit? Seems like it would be a rough ride.
Affirmative on both. I do not recommend it. :lol:

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