Overview

Hype:

Lancaster Falls is one of a trio of waterfalls seen along the Mount Defiance Trail in the central Columbia River Gorge. The trail passes immediately below the falls, allowing up-close access to the final 35 feet of the falls. However this is just a fraction of a much taller waterfall. Wonder Creek heads in a spring high up the mountain, sending a small but extremely consistent volume of water plunging 255 feet over a mossy cliff, then channeling into a narrow slot and cascading about 120 feet before plunging the final 35 feet adjacent to the trail. The upper falls can be easily seen from Interstate 84 and from across the Columbia River, but foot access is only possible via a very steep, extremely crumbly climb up the adjacent slope. Those who do wish to attempt to get close, wear long pants because poison oak is profuse in the area.

Trail Condition: Class 2 (Trail may have tree roots or rocks jutting out. Navigation skills may consist of following rock cairns and choosing turns at junctions. Elevation gains may be more substantial.)

Time: 1-1.5 hours

Length: 2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 375 ft

Fees: Parking

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Getting There

Navigate to 45.688476, -121.690294.

Park at the Starvation Creek trailhead.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Columbia River Gorge

Coordinates: 45.684562, -121.705631

Interactive Guide Map

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Brochure

July 7, 2023 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye,

Story

After hiking up Eagle Creek, we still had some time left in the day, so we went to Starvation Creek State Park and hiked to another handful of waterfalls. It was a long day and we did about 10 miles of hiking. We visited Cabin Creek Falls, Hole in the Wall Falls, Lancaster Falls, and Starvation Creek Falls.

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Pictures