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Hood River County

Mt. Defiance Trailhead – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Wyeth State Recreation Area

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

United States

Oregon

Hood River County

Mt. Defiance Trailhead – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Wyeth State Recreation Area

Moderate

2.8

(21)

riders

Mt. Defiance Trailhead – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Wyeth State Recreation Area

01:14

18.5km

260m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 28, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

175 m

Wyeth State Park

Highlight • Rest Area

The Wyeth State Park area has restrooms, a picnic area, and a campground with 13 individual sites, three group sites, and a 24-hour camp host. This is also the trailhead for the Wyeth Trail, which soon splits into the Gorge Trail.

Tip by

4.81 km

Viewpoint

6.24 km

Mt. Defiance Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

Mt Defiance Trailhead is another hop off point to see a waterfall. Here bikers can walk their bike 200 feet south to see Hole in the Wall Falls, or Lancaster Falls just a little bit east from Hole in the Wall. The trail is named after Mt Defiance, which at 4,960 feet tall, is the highest point in the Columbia Gorge.

Tip by

6.24 km

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail consists of a few sections of path connected via parks and city streets. This section is a continuous paved path with access to a number of other trails branching off from the main trail once entering Viento State Park and Starvation Creek State Park.

Tip by

7.39 km

Starvation Creek State Park

Highlight • Waterfall

With mountain, waterfall, and forest trails, Starvation Creek State Park is a popular spot for hiking and trail running. The paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail passes by the State Park headquarters and provides access to a number of the hiking trails on the property.

Tip by

7.44 km

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail is really something special. From an old highway under many old bridges, a cycling and running route was created that is second to none. The view of the Columbia River is breathtakingly beautiful! If you're in the area, you definitely don't want to miss this one!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

18.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

18.1 km

210 m

118 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

9.53 km

8.92 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 8 July

23°C

15°C

-- %

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're looking for a rewarding touring cycling experience in the Columbia River Gorge without the grueling climbs, the Mt. Defiance Trailhead – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Wyeth State Recreation Area is an excellent choice. This moderate 11.5-mile (18.5 km) route, with a gentle 861 feet (263 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 13 minutes, making it an accessible and scenic ride for nearly any fitness level.

What to expect on Mt. Defiance Trailhead – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Wyeth State Recreation Area

As you cycle this loop, prepare for dramatic landscapes characteristic of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. You'll glide past towering basalt cliffs and through old-growth forests, with constant glimpses of the mighty Columbia River. The route is mostly well-paved, offering an easy road ride experience, and you'll be treated to multiple waterfalls like the unique Hole-in-the-Wall Falls and the easily accessible Starvation Creek Falls. This trail is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, scenic ride rather than a strenuous workout, making it suitable for a wide range of cyclists.

Planning your visit

The loop starts conveniently from Wyeth State Recreation Area, offering ample parking. The route primarily follows the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, which is well-maintained and suitable for all types of touring bicycles, including e-bikes. Remember that while this cycling loop is easy, the actual Mount Defiance hiking trails are extremely difficult and not suitable for bikes. The best time to visit for cycling is typically during the warmer, drier months to fully enjoy the waterfalls and river views.

Trail details