Viento State Park to Starvation Creek Falls

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How about an adventure where you can visit two State Parks on the same day with an easy hike? Try Viento State Park to Starvation Creek State Park trail!

This hike was our first one a little far from home since March of this year. I was missing my loved and beautiful Columbia River Gorge, and I wanted a family-friendly and easy hike, and luckily I found the Viento State Park to Starvation Creek State Park trail.

Just a little more than one hour from Portland (depending on traffic and the area), and you are hiking in this magical place.

What to see and do

It felt amazing coming back to Columbia River Gorge. Many trails remain still closed, so finding one for an easy and quick hike with my kids was great.

A couple of weeks ago, I didn’t even know about the existence of these two Oregon States Parks and the trail that connects both. However, looking for new open areas to go and after seeing a beautiful photo of Starvation Creek Falls, I decided to go.

Viento State Park is a gem. In this park, You can do activities like windsurfing, swimming, biking, hiking, picnicking, and camping.

In the beginning, we parked in Viento State Park in the North Campground and Day-use area that includes river access.

Girl reading a sign at Viento State Park Day-use area

Picnic table at Viento State Park Day-use area — Picnic table and playground at Viento State Park Day-use area

My initial plan included the picnic by the river and then the hike; however, this park honored its name Viento that day (Viento means wind in Spanish😃). It was really windy! As a result, we changed the plans, and we parked in the South Campground. Next to the parking area, you can find the trail-head to Starvation Creek Falls.

The hike

Kids at the trail to Starvation Creek — Trail-head

There are several trails in Viento State Park; Particularly that day, we chose the paved path to try the combination bike and walk, like in some of our previous hikes. My daughter is always happy with her bike in the trails, while my son and I walk peacefully admiring the nature that surrounds us.

Kids in a paved trail at Viento State Park

Interestingly, the paved 1-mile trail from Viento State Park to Starvation State Park used to be once the only west-east route for motorists. Nowadays, this road (Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail) is only open to bikers and hikers. It’s stunning, and during our walk, we enjoyed vast views of the Columbia River.

Kids enjoying the view of Columbia River Gorge

Finally, after completing the trail, we arrived at Starvation Creek State Park. In that place, we took a break admiring the gorgeous waterfall as well as the creek. It’s a fantastic location for a picnic, and we are planning to come back there just for that activity.

Mom and kids at Starvation Creek State Park

Starvation Creek Fall, Columbia River Gorge

After our break, we returned to Viento Park, and we had our picnic in the tables available at the North Campground.

Overall we loved this hike, and we are planning to come back to explore the rest of the trails.

Girl on a bike in a paved trail at Viento State Park

Pin for later!

Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

Viento State Park

Riverfront access.
There is a day-use area with picnic tables.
There are several hiking trails, including a one-mile, wide, paved trail from Viento to the Starvation Creek waterfall.
Universal Access: Two campsites accessible to campers with disabilities. Campgrounds: 56 electrical sites with water, 18 tent sites with water nearby. Flush toilets and hot showers. Reservations on-line.
Playground.
Restrooms are open with limited services.

Starvation Creek State Park

Beautiful Creek and Waterfall.
Parking with no fees.
Picnic tables close to the creek.
Restrooms are open with limited services.

Important information and tips

Viento State Park

Location: Day use area parking Unnamed Road, Cascade Locks, OR 97014
Viento State Park web site.
Brochure with the map.
Please secure your valuables when enjoying the park.
Visitors and campers should expect to hear train horns throughout the day and night.
Day-use parking permits are required year-round. Be prepared to have $5 in cash to pay with envelopes available at the kiosks at both Campgrounds. Annual and 24-month permits are sold online at store.oregonstateparks.org or major state park offices.