State: Oregon
Location: Mount Hood National Forest
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 100 feet
Maximum Elevation: 4959 feet
Elevation Change: 4859 feet
Best Season: May to October
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Trail Information
The hike up the tallest mountain in the Columbia River Gorge, the 4,960-foot Mount Defiance, is a grueling 6 mile trek that rivals the experience of the taller Cascade Range volcanoes.
The Mount Defiance Trail begins simple enough at Starvation Creek State Park, directly along Interstate 84. The first 3/4 mile is very flat and actually paved, but it changes to earth after passing Warren Falls. The trail winds over some rolling hills, passing Lancaster Falls and heading West towards the real test. At the 1.2-mile mark, the trail hits the forest and turns sharply upward, gaining 1,900 feet in just over 1.8 miles. In comparison, the first 1.2 miles gained a mere 217 feet.
Here the trail flattens out into a ridge rising just 300 feet in the next 1/2 miles. This rest is short lived, but your legs have regained some strength for the next 1.5. You gain another 1,900 feet through steep terrain until you hit a rocky cliff at 4,100 feet. This cliff provides a spectacular overlook of the Columbia River Gorge. The final 860 feet go by quickly as you cross a lava plain with more Gorge views and an excellent view of Washington’s 12,276-foot Mount Adams. After crossing a service road, the top is a short trek up a steep trail in thick forest.
The summit is relatively flat and houses a radio tower with its support buildings. However, there is a rock garden to the South of the summit that provides an unobstructed view of Oregon’s majestic 11,239-foot Mount Hood. A treat that justifies the effort to get there!
The descent is actually the hardest part of the hike, as 5 very steep miles wreck havoc with your quads, knees and feet. By the time you reach the trailhead, you are ready to make a quick drive back to town and get some sleep.
Directions
From the West:
Take Interstate 84 East and turn into the Starvation Creek Rest Area, approximately three miles east of Wyeth.
From the East:
Take Interstate 84 West. You will have to travel to Wyeth and turn around to access the rest area.
