From trailhead to summit, youre only going to have to cover 1.2 miles. 2. We dont even think its worth doing the short spur trail down to the viewpoint. Instead, after your hike, drive to this bridge, which has an excellent view of Sahalie Falls. Found items may be dropped off at the Hood River Police Station for safekeeping. Today, all thats left are the concrete feet and foundation. In this guide, were going to cover the best hikes near Hood River based on our personal experience exploring. Read More: Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Beacon Rock Trail. This expansive park offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities that cater to visitors of all ages. Mitchell Point Trail is 2.6 miles up and back with an elevation gain around 1,300 feet. For this particular set of hikes, there are two passes youll need: a Discover Pass for the two hikes in Beacon Rock State Park (a Washington State Park), and a Northwest Forest Pass for the remaining hikes. How bad could it be?! The parking pass situation can be confusing! Parks near Hood River - Find Parks near Hood River OR Its a popular trail, and there are NO PARKING signs along the highway on either side of the trailhead (though people routinely ignore them), so you should aim to arrive at the trailhead by 9:00 am at the latest, particularly on weekends. Located in the heart of the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, this KOA will have you rollin' along the river in no time - whether you're cruising aboard the stern-wheeler Columbia Gorge, exploring waterfalls along the historic Columbia River Highway or hiking on Larch Mountain's trails at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Turn right into Beacon Rock State Park dont park in the lots on the side of the road, which add a mile to the hike! We tackled Beacon Rock and Hamilton Mountain the day before, and woke up feeling good. This section of trail travels through thick fir forests and lush undergrowthmoss often carpets portions of thepaved trail. Viento was a station on the Oregon-Washington Railway and Navigation Company line (now Union Pacific). Viento State Park is also a trailhead for a universally accessible 5.6-mile section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. Near Hood River, Oregon, United States Michell Point Trailhead provides access to two trails that wind through Wygant State Natural Area: Wygant Trail starts on the west end of the parking lot and Michell Point Trail takes off from the east end. Near Hole-in-the Wall Falls, hikers will find the trailhead forMount Defiance Trail (#413). Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. By 619je. It was named Starvation Creek because a train was stopped there by snow drifts and passengers had to dig out the train. We have mixed feelings on the hike up the face of Beacon Rock. Now, were on our own to get across the river. Read More: How to Hike the PCT to Dry Creek Falls. Michele Andrews on Instagram: "Day 26 - Friday 6/30 - Hood River to Its a popular trail, both for mountain bikers and hikers, especially in the spring when wildflowers like lupine and balsamroot blanket the grassy hillsides with Mount Hood looming in the background. Although the park is very much immersed in ture, the larger riverside town of Cascade Locks . The surrounding mountains, volcanic wonders, waterfalls, and lakes are just perfect for hiking, camping, and mountain biking. 14 Spectacular Hikes near Hood River: A Complete Guide - Oregon Obsessed If you like one, some, or all of those things, youre in the right place! Located on the north side of the Columbia River, across the bridge from Hood River, it is extremely convenient for accessing the town of Hood River and all the nearby sites. Wed do the short version of the hike that takes you to the base of the falls. This is where we found the best wildflowers in May. These places are best for state parks in Hood River: What are the best places for state parks in Hood River? Learn how your comment data is processed. 74 feet tall, but it looks more impressive because youre viewing it from below. No one starved there. Be aware that its not an easy stroll! For after-hours assistance, please call our non-emergency line at 541-386-2121. More information here. On the one hand, its kind of fun because youre climbing straight up the face of a huge rock (Beacon Rock) via a set of 52 brilliantly engineered switchbacks that were built over a century ago. Its worth noting here that the loop includes the Little Moab Trail (the steeper, more direct route up to the Coyote Wall trail), which has some steep dropoffs along the cliff and is rockier. The RV sites are small but some are pull-through. Historical Tours. Its a short, steep hike up to a beautiful waterfall that turns a brilliant shade of blue in the sunlight. A trail strikes through the park in a dense, hilly wilderness area that was once .. (click city name to see parks within 25 miles), Portland Womens Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. Ainsworth State Park is located about 30 miles west of Hood River off Interstate 84, in a prime location along the Historic Columbia River Highway, just four miles east of beautiful Multnomah Falls. Basically, its doable for almost any car out there, so no need to worry about the road in the summer. Top Hood River State Parks: See reviews and photos of State Parks in Hood River, Oregon on Tripadvisor. Youll leave the trailhead and follow Tanner Creek the entire way out to the falls. Hood River, OR. Cascade Locks / Portland East KOA Holiday The Ainsworth State Park campground is right off of the Historic Columbia River Highway at Horsetail Falls. We had to climb 1,200 feet of elevation or so before we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of what might just be the best display of wildflowers weve ever seen in our lives. While the Dog Mountain Trail gets more fanfare and for good reason, really this hike is arguably a better bang-for-your-buck in terms of views and wildflowers versus effort. To the west, youll find lush forests and towering waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway. This park requires a Special Use Permit for special events or activities. On a clear day, youll have a great view of Mount Hood, with four other peaks in the Cascade Range St. Helens, Adams, and Rainier to the north, Jefferson to the south also making an appearance. Today, Memaloose State Park is a virtual oasis of beauty in the hottest part of the Columbia River Gorge. All that work, no view. Read More: How to Hike the Jaw-Dropping Sleeping Beauty Trail. There are two theories on the origin of the name Starvation Creek. Wed love to hear from you and find a new hike to add to our list! More information here. This park adjoins Seneca Fouts Memorial and Vinzenz Lausmann near Mitchell Point. Wed tackle the loop counterclockwise, which has you going up the less interesting part of the trail a part of the Pacific Crest Trail and returning through the dense forest on the Ramona Falls Trail. Sites in Loop B are closer to the river and quieter, but you will hear the trains - no whistles, more of a dull roar. Distance from Perth: 134km, 1hr 30 min drive. Gorge Base Camp officially accept RVs up to 40 feet but the staff here are flexible and willing to accommodate larger RVs depending on what is available. doug.thiesies (a) hoodrivercounty.gov, (541) 387-6888. Things to Do in Hood River, Oregon | Columbia River Gorge Which is disappointing, because theres not really much of a view at the summit itself. Read More: How to Hike the Gorgeous Wahclella Falls Trail. In terms of the ratio of reward to effort, it doesnt get much better than this pair of waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. 93% of our customers describe being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their overall experience at Starvation Creek State Park. Park reservations for private group gatherings at City parks are currently suspended for year 2023. Flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, and fire pits are provided. There is only room for 24 cars in the parking lot, so youre going to want to get here early on weekends, particularly when the wildflowers are out (usually sometime between late April and mid-May). Picnic tables feature views of the falls. The bridge remains open to hikers. This is a popular campground and fills up most nights throughout the summer. If you are traveling with children, the playground has a great assortment of climbing structures guaranteed to tire out even the most rambunctious of kids. The last half mile of the hike up to the summit is the most spectacular part, where youre following the ridge line towards the summit, passing Puppy Dog Summit along the way (which is probably the best view on the entire hike). You are now on our merchandise platform. Any visit to the Gorge would be nearly perfect with Women's Forum as the starting place to a fun-filled day of adventure and .. Spring at Rooster Rock is where spring fever happens. State Parks in Hood River Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveller favourites 3 places sorted by traveller favourites Clear all filters 1. Its not an easy hike, but were drooling over the pictures of the Gorge from the plateau. Frequently Asked Questions about Hood River. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews. Read More: Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Trail near Mount Hood. Its so popular, in fact, that they had to implement a permit system a few years ago to limit the number of people on the trail on weekends (information on permits which are required for weekends from April to June here). In the list below, youll find hikes that take you to gorgeous waterfalls, epic views of both the Gorge and the surrounding peaks of the Cascades, and, on occasion, both. Nestled in the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth is equal parts waterfall wonderland, hiker's playground and camper's delight. However, its a very popular and crowded trail, and its not much fun trying to navigate those switchbacks as youre dodging other hikers going in either direction. Eighty-eight sites accommodate RVs (maximum length 30 feet) and tents, all sites are unserviced. It is noted for its saltwater tide flats, wetlands with wind-blown beach g Usage of park shelters and picnic tables for private groups are on a first come first serve basis. In addition to the infrastructure work, a new hiker/biker camping area has been added. Oct 31, 2023, Mar 18 Hikers and bikers can also head west 4.6 miles to Wyeth Campground and trailhead, passing Cabin Creek Falls, Hole-in-the-Wall Falls and Lancaster Falls before climbing to an impressive view of the Gorge. Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland. These places are best for state parks in Hood River: Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor. Parking is going to be an issue here we wouldnt recommend showing up on a Saturday afternoon and expecting to find a spot. One customer commented, "I love it exactly as it is - very natural/wild feeling, good, quick access, clean not crowded. The reason? A trail leads from the parking lot to the top of lower Latourell Falls. State Parks in Hood River Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveler favorites 3 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. John McLoughlin, former Chief Factor at Fort Vancouver in the Oregon Country from 1825-1845, possessed both business acumen and compassion. Located only minutes from downtown Portland is Oregon's only . Author Lana Law explored the sites of Hood River while enjoying the comforts of the local campgrounds. In other words, the terrain is rocky, mountainous, desolate and beautiful. The Starvation Ridge Cutoff Trail is closed because of a large landslide and is not safe to cross. Youre not likely to have it to yourself, but thats okay. A gently .. John B. Yeon Scenic Corridor honors a man who gave generously of his time and professional skills. Viento State Park has campground accommodations in the National Scenic Area of the Columbia River Gorge, less than 10 miles west of Hood River along Interstate Highway 84. An additional grassy area is set aside for hikers and bikers. For nature lovers, one of the best campgrounds in the Hood River area is in Ainsworth State Park. Here are five more hiking trails near Hood River to add to your list. Sites are first-come, first-served at the very start of the season for about a week before the bookable timeframe and for a couple of weeks at the end of the season after the bookable timeframe closes. As it transitions to wilderness, the trail dives into a dense forest hillside along a gurgling creek, then follows switchback up to the summit with a few views of the Gorge along the way. Where a railroad station once stood is now the home of one of the best Gorge campgrounds, conveniently located just 8 miles west of Hood River. Vinzenz Lausmann Memorial State Natural Area 1 State Parks By Bottomshelfhockey Our 8 day journey included Crater Lake, Painted Hills and Smith Rock. Discover natural splendor showcased at its finest near Hood River, OR. The campground is next to the trailhead for the Tamanawas hiking trail. This park is also a trailhead for the paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail that traces the original historic highway. The best part? Plus, a great view of Mount Hood to the south, and somewhat obstructed views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the trailhead and trails in the 1930s. Last edited on 12 September 2022, at 09:50, "Lewis & Clark's Columbia River - "200 Years Later" "Starvation Creek and Starvation Creek State Park, Oregon", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Starvation_Creek_State_Park&oldid=1109876409, This page was last edited on 12 September 2022, at 09:50. Set on the banks of the Little White Salmon River, this small campground is cozy and oriented towards tenting and small tow-behind RVs. Belfair State Park is a 65-acre, year-round camping park on 3,720 feet of saltwater shoreline at the southern end of Hood Canal in western Washington. Oregon Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip, 25 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Oregon, 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Portland, Oregon, 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Eugene, OR, 9 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Hood River, OR, 10 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Mt. Our favorite way to do this hike is as a lollipop. The High Bridge connecting the North and West horse loops is closed to horses until further notice. By 619jeffry. This hike is a few miles east of Coyote Wall on the Washington side, and is a much less trafficked trail compared to most of the other hikes on the Washington side well mention in this guide. Huge pine trees tower overhead providing ample shade, and the Upper Hood River flows through the back side of the campground and provides a never-ending soundtrack of gently rushing water. Cascade Locks KOA features a seasonal pool, hot tub, and sauna. This park requires a Special Use Permit for special events or activities. Youll climb nearly 3,000 feet over 3-ish miles, which is a lot of vertical feet per mile. This is Crown Point and the building is the Vista House. Campsite bookings are available on the Lake Brockman Tourist Park website. Well, its popular for two good reasons, really. Its not the summit, but it is the best view of the entire hike, we think. More information here. Bridal Veil Falls State Park is located near milepost 28 on the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway and is accessed off I-84 at Exit 28. Sites in Loop A have better views of the river and Memaloose Island, but the highway noise is bothersome. Set along the Hood River, this campground has a distinctly different vibe than other campgrounds in the area. The trail comprises three disconnected paved paths along stretches of historic Highway 30 which predated I-84 as the only road connecting Portland and The Dalles. Sites are all first-come, first-served and the campground is open from May 1 to October 31. Hood National Forest, OR, 10 Best Places to Camp near Mount St. Helens, WA, 10 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Vancouver, WA, 12 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from Portland, 11 Top-Rated Hiking Trails near Portland, Oregon, 13 Top-Rated Campgrounds near Portland, Oregon, 31 Top-Rated Things to Do in Portland, OR, From Portland to Multnomah Falls: 5 Best Ways to Get There, From Portland to Crater Lake: 5 Best Ways to Get There, From Portland to Mount Hood: 4 Best Ways to Get There, From Christchurch to Queenstown: 4 Best Ways to Get There, Croatia Road Trip: Driving the Coast from Istria to Dubrovnik, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World. Memaloose State Park, an Oregon State Park located near Hood River, The Panther Creek Falls: Another great waterfall north of the town of Carson off of Wind River Highway (near Falls Creek, above). Hiking the Coyote Wall Trail Everything You Need to Know, How to Hike the Gorgeous Wahclella Falls Trail, How to Hike the Beautiful Tamanawas Falls Trail, Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Beacon Rock Trail, Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Stunning Hamilton Mountain Trail, How to Hike the Jaw-Dropping Sleeping Beauty Trail, Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Trail near Mount Hood, How to Hike the Hamilton Mountain Trail in the Gorge, Hiking the Gorgeous Wahclella Falls Trail in the Gorge, How to Spend One Amazing Day in Portland, Oregon, A Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Portland, Oregon, 21 Incredible Hikes near Portland: A Complete Guide to Hiking in Portland, 7 Amazing Day Trips from Portland, Oregon, The 17 Best Oregon Hikes: A Complete Oregon Hiking Guide, The Best Hikes near Mount Hood: A Helpful Hiking Guide, Hiking the Coyote Wall Trail: Everything You Need to Know, How to Hike the Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain Trail, 7 Incredible Day Trips from Portland, Oregon (Locals Guide), The Incredible Sleeping Beauty Trail: A Complete Trail Guide. Thats not to say youre going to have the trail all to yourself on a Saturday morning in the summer, but its going to be less crowded than other nearby trails like Latourell Falls and Wahclella Falls. The campground has 16 unserviced sites set under large fir, hemlock, and cedar trees. It is quite literally straight up the side of the rock, and we saw multiple families with small children who were not having a good time. Or, even better, get an early start (before 9:00 am) and have the falls all to yourself! Visitors can expect to hear train horns throughout the day and night. The park was established to provide a shaded picnic and rest area for travelers on the old Columbia River Highway. Falls Creek Falls: Probably the coolest waterfall on the Washington side of the Gorge, this is a bit of a trek to get to, involving a slightly bumpy forest road. Hot take: there is no better bang for your buck in terms of wildflowers to effort in the Gorge than the short loop at Memaloose Hills. Waterfalls, views of the Gorge and surrounding mountain peaks, and a good workout? It is a port on the Columbia River, and is named for the nearby Hood River. Called the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River is located at the panoramic crossroads of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Range. Wineries & Vineyards. Withspacious, well-shaded campsites located on both sides of I-84, Viento almost always has a spot available when other campgrounds in the area are full. Atop both hills, youll find a dazzling display of flowers lupine and balsamroot earlier in the season, with paintbrush and columbine coming in later in the season. Interactive State Park Map - Washington State Parks Foundation Found items are kept for a minimum of 90 days. Note that cellular service is spotty here. A campground host is available to offer information on local attractions and activities, including a beautiful hiking trail which leaves directly from the campground. In terms of parking, there are two big lots on either side of the trailhead, right off of Highway 14, which runs along the Washington side of the Gorge. Nestled at the base of the sheer walls of the Columbia Gorge, Starvation Creek is much more than it appears. Its a multi-tiered waterfall, but you can really only see the main falls from the base, which tumbles 60 feet into the pool below. Now that we have that little preamble out of the way, we do think this hike is absolutely worth your time. There are a bunch of logs that you can scoot across on your butt. We know because we tried that route and had to turn around because the road was completely washed out. per adult. Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge (Hood River) - All You Need to $85.00. The hike leaves from a tiny gravel parking lot off of the Historic Columbia River Highway (Highway 30) a few miles east of the town of Mosier, right next to the Memaloose Overlook. Oct 31, Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. Nearby state parks with riding areas include Milo McIver State Park and Willamette Mission State Park. Were a Portland-based couple, and we want you to fall in love with Oregon like we have. If youre looking for a nice hike to do in the winter months, this is a good option. This is a small, pleasant, and well-treed campground offering plenty of space and privacy. A campground host is on-site during the season, and firewood is available for purchase. Nestled at the base of the sheer walls of the Columbia Gorge, the park's namesake Starvation Creek Waterfall is just over a boardwalk, 50 feet from the parking area. Access 504 trusted reviews, 288 photos & 171 tips from fellow RVers. Most of the 14 campsites are very large but they are primarily designed to accommodate tents and small RVs (16 feet maximum). The secluded park is often uncrowded even on the best days. To inquire if your lost item h. been found, please contact our Community Service Officer, Marty Morgan, at 541-387-2761 during business hours.