Hole-in-the-Wall Falls
Central Gorge, Oregon
Hole-in-the-Wall Falls (photographer: Micheal Drewry)
Hike Details
Type:
Out and back
Distance:
1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:
100 feet
Difficulty:
Easy
Trail Features
Family Friendly:
Yes
Restrooms:
Yes
Trailhead Pass:
No
This new section of Historic Highway State Trail boasts views of three waterfalls in 1.2 miles! While these falls have always been accessible to hikers; now, for the first time, they are accessible from a paved, well-graded universal trail. The hike to Hole-in-the-Wall Falls is a westward out-and-back hike or bicycle ride. As it parallels I-84 you’ll enjoy a splendid view of the falls from an overlook and picnicking area. The trail continues on to Lancaster Falls, named for the Columbia River Highway’s designer and engineer, Samuel Lancaster. 

In 1938, Warren Falls was decidedly threatening to wash out the Columbia River Highway, so a tunnel was blasted through the adjacent cliff, and the creek was diverted through – creating Hole-In-the-Wall Falls. Learn more by watching an OPB film on Warren Falls.

There are four waterfalls awaiting you in about a 1-mile stretch.  From east to west, they are:  

Distance from Starvation Creek Trailhead (approximate)
  • Starvation Creek Falls  (0.1 miles east)
  • Cabin Creek Falls  (0.3 miles west)
  • Hole-in-the-Wall Falls  (0.6 miles west)
  • Lancaster Falls  (0.8 miles west)
- Courtesy of Oregon State Parks 
 
  Other hikes leading from Starvation Creek Trailhead include:  
- Hike descriptions were collaboratively written with the generous support of oregonhikers.org.


Directions & Travel Tips

Starvation Creek Trailhead:  Traveling east on I-84, take Exit #55/Starvation Creek State Park and Rest Area (eastbound exit only). Traveling west on I-84, you'll continue past Exit #55 to Exit #51/Wyeth and come back east. The Starvation Ridge and Mt. Defiance trails begin at the west end of the parking lot by walking alongside the freeway. Starvation Creek Falls is east of the restrooms.