Starvation Ridge to Warren Lake Loop

Starvation Ridge to Warren Lake Loop is a 10.4-mile circuit from Starvation Creek Trailhead to a small lake on Mount Defiance’s northeast flank and back. It links the paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, a steep climb up Starvation Ridge, a short out-and-back to the lake, and a long descent on Mount Defiance Trail. Expect about 4,200 feet of climbing and allow six to eight hours with breaks. This suits strong hikers looking for a demanding Gorge day; the gain and distance make it a poor fit for a short stop.

The route starts with a brief walk on the paved state trail, then turns onto a steep dirt climb. The ascent is sustained: more than 3,000 feet comes in roughly four miles. Forest covers much of the ridge, then talus openings expose wide views across the Gorge toward Mount Adams, Dog Mountain, Wind Mountain, and Mount St. Helens. The narrow ridge and loose rock make this a hard hike, not a gentle lake walk. Watch the junctions, and do not confuse this lake loop with the separate, longer Mount Defiance summit outing.

Warren Lake is about five acres, high on Mount Defiance’s northeast flank where Warren Creek begins. The mapped loop follows the Warren Lake Trail (#417A) down to the lake and retraces that short branch before continuing west on Mitchell Point Trail (#417). It then turns onto Mount Defiance Trail (#413) for the long descent. Lower down, the route crosses Warren Creek on a log near Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. Highway crews drilled a tunnel through the rock in 1938 to divert the creek away from the highway. The lake has primitive campsites; no developed food service was found on the route.

Park at Starvation Creek Trailhead; restrooms are at the east end of the lot, and a day-use parking permit is required. Dogs are allowed: keep them on a leash no longer than six feet in the state park and on the paved state trail; the Forest Service allows them off leash on its section. Part of the route lies within Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, where wilderness restrictions apply. The usual hiking season is late spring through early fall. Carry food and enough water for a long, steep day.