June 20, 2014 - Columbia River Gorge Biennial Classic - Starvation Creek

Our 10k walk today started 12 miles west of Cascade Locks. It was drizzly, overcast and cool as we drove past misty, mystical mountains with wisps of clouds curling up from their slopes.

We arrived at the trailhead before the guided group and decided to get a head start so we wouldn't be too far behind at the end. It was cool and lightly spritzing, but comfortable for walking. The first mile was a gentle uphill walk on a paved path that used to be US 30, the historic Columbia River Highway. 

The trail follows the historic Columbia River Highway, now replaced by I-84

Ken saw an Ewok here

 After a little over a mile we came to a short side trail that led to a waterfall. This was Starvation Creek. We learned from an interpretive sign how this location got its name. Spoiler alert: nobody actually starved.

Starvation Creek Falls

Starvation Creek

On December 18, 1884, the Pacific Express left The Dalles with 148 passengers and crew, scheduled to arrive in Portland later that day. Instead, they were trapped between avalanches, unable to proceed in either direction. A relief party finally reached them on Christmas Day by foot. Workers labored to open the line to Portland. Only on December 30 did a train break through from The Dalles and on January 7, the Pacific Express finally reached Portland, three weeks late.

At the Starvation Creek parking lot we saw one thing Oregon is doing to prevent the spread of invasive seeds: boot-cleaning brushes and signs!

We continued on the trail past some people on a bulldozer (who may have been taking soil samples). Right after that we came to a small moss-covered mound. It was a stone oven used by Chinese laborers to bake bread while they were building the Old Columbia River Highway (built between 1913 and 1922). Shortly thereafter we came to a larger mound that was not moss-covered. This mound was an anthill. I don't know if it is still active.

The Chinese oven

The anthill

After coming to a third major waterfall, we turned around and retraced our steps back to the parking area. 

Saved by the safety fence

Trains still go by the Starvation Creek area

Rocks and ferns

From the parking lot we headed to Viento Park, on the other side of I-84. This was a pleasant campground and day-use area. The cedar trees gave it a wonderful smell. We took a short path down to a rocky little beach. If you go, don't forget to bring a towel so you can soak your tired feet in the river. I didn't have a towel, so I kept my shoes on and just admired the splendid view.

Wildlife sightings:

     - 1 chipmunk

     - 1 really large, really ugly slug

     - 1 Daddy-long-legs

     - some birds

Walk Route: A-

Walk Instructions: C ((Would like more detail, names of waterfalls, distances. Directions were a little confusing at 10k turnaround point and at beginning of leg going to Viento Park.)