Waterfalls Start with steep basalt walls lining the south side of the Columbia River Gorge. Add dozens of mountain streams rushing down from Mt. Hood. The result? Waterfalls! The short trip between Portland and Hood River County leads visitors past one of the greatest concentrations of waterfalls in North America. In 2022 a new timed-entry system helped manage car visitation along the popular Historic Highway waterfall corridor west of Cascade Locks (see the Resources section for more information). Once in Hood River County, a hike through the forest is just the ticket to the splendor of hidden cascades tumbling through the trees. Here are a few must-see highlights. From Cascade Locks, a 4.4-mile round-trip hike on the famed Pacific Crest Trail guides hikers through stands of old-growth Douglas fir to 74-foot Dry Creek Falls. Farther east at I-84 exit 55, an accessible paved path leads to a fine view of Starvation Creek Falls, plunging 186 feet through a ferny grotto. From the same parking area, the paved Historic Columbia River Highway Trail passes right below Cabin Creek Falls, tucked behind a mossy boulder, and Hole-in-the-Wall Falls, pouring 96 feet through a tight chasm. Can’t get enough? From Hole-in-theWall, hike up the Mt. Defiance Trail for another 0.2 miles to add yet another cascade, 20-foot Lancaster Falls. Starvation Creek Falls VISIT HOOD RIVER visithoodriver.com 17
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