Biking the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail at from Wyeth to Viento

Looking for more places to bike along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail?
Check out my review on biking from Hood River to Mosier. And wherever you are in the Gorge, my guide to Eating Up the Columbia River Gorge shows you the best places to eat.

CURRENT INFO

The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail currently includes three separate sections of completed non-motorized trails that follow the path of historic Highway 30, once called the “King of Roads”. The Mitchell Point segment, from Wyeth to Viento, is the middle of the three segments, and was completed in 2019. Find more information, including a map of the entire trail system, on the Oregon State Parks website. Further information and reviews are available on the Traillink website and hiking reviews are posted on the WTA (Washington Trails Association) website.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Free parking is available at Wyeth, Starvation Creek, and Viento.
• Restrooms are available at several locations, but when we visited in April, only the Starvation Creek restrooms were open. The others are open during peak summer season, but may close in winter.
• Helpful route maps are posted at each trailhead.
• The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail isn’t limited to bikes — hikers (and dogs on leash) are also welcome! The wide path is ideal for a multi-use trail and easily accommodates both bicyclists and pedestrians.
• If you plan to walk and want to focus on the waterfalls, park at Starvation Creek and follow the trail west. It’s 1.5 miles round trip to walk from Starvation Creek to Hole-in-the-Wall Falls and back. For a full-fledged day hike by continuing on the much longer trail to Mount Defiance.
• Starvation Creek is a great spot for a picnic.
• One final note: it’s the Columbia River Gorge, so prepare for wind! We started our ride biking into the wind as we left Wyeth. Thankfully, it died down when we entered the forest, and overall it didn’t affect most of the ride.

HIGHLIGHTS

Follow this trail to enjoy lovely waterfalls and ride the beautiful Summit Creek Viaduct. Completed in 2019, the viaduct is a 500-foot section of the trail overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, with graceful arched railings reminiscent of the Old Historic Highway 30. It leads up and away from busy Highway 84, and into the cool, green forest where waterfalls beckon.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

This newest section of the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway Trail offers a smooth, wide path that’s ideal for bicyclists of all ages. My nine-year-old had no problem biking up the viaduct on his 8-speed bike, but it was a little tougher for my husband, who was pulling the trailer bike. It was windy on the day we rode (typical for the Gorge), so everyone was relieved to reach the forested section of trail where the wind died down. Getting to explore the waterfalls was definitely a big bonus!

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

The Columbia River Gorge offers limitless opportunities for outdoor recreation (not mention great food). For a hike nearby hike, I recommend the lovely little trail to Wahclella Falls. And who could forget the granddaddy of them all, Multnomah Falls? Just be aware that if you visit during the peak summer season, advance reservations are required. Looking for more bike trails? Head east to bike the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail from Hood River to Mosier. Further east, the Riverfront Trail in the Dalles showcases the dry side of the Gorge.

We enjoyed a post-ride lunch at Brigham Fish Market in Cascade Locks. Thunder Island Brewing, a family-friendly brew pub with excellent food and views, is another good option. If you have extra time in Cascade Locks, consider visiting the Bonneville Dam. While there, take a historical mini-hike at Fort Cascades.

For more excellent suggestions for hikes, food, and drink, check out my Columbia River Gorge Hiking Guide and Eating Up the Columbia River Gorge: The Best Restaurants and More.

We pulled into the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail parking lot at Wyeth on a Tuesday morning in April. The large lot was almost completely empty, and the restrooms were locked. But it was a beautiful day, and everyone was eager to ride. Together with my father and father-in-law, our family headed out onto the trail.

With the parking lot behind us, we were suddenly exposed to the elements. The wind whipped our faces as the Columbia River came into view. Just below us, traffic roared along Highway 84. Fortunately, the trail routinely ducked into the forest, providing a respite from the wind and noise.

The trail itself is a gorgeous piece of engineering work. It wasn’t long before we approached the centerpiece, the graceful 500-foot Summit Creek Viaduct, a vision of cast concrete climbing steadily uphill, taking us far above the highway. From I-84, it appeared rather intimidating, but I discovered that, despite the headwind, the gradual slope wasn’t a difficult ride. Of course, there is no shame if you need to get off and walk your bike, or stop for a moment to admire the expansive view!

As we continued our journey, the wind died down and we found ourselves biking through quiet woodlands. Even here, however, you could see the effects of the wind. Fir cones, needles, and broken branches littered the trail, but it didn’t hinder our ride. In early spring, this isn’t unusual; I expect that the trail is cleared when summer season approaches.

Now more than halfway through the ride, we came to our first waterfall. A sign along the trail pointed toward Hole-in-the-Wall Falls, and a short side trail led to a paved spot perfect for parking our bikes. We hopped off to explore further.

My nine-year-old was well ahead of me, calling from his perch above the lower tier of the falls. I crossed the wooden bridge over Warren Creek and began the ascent. It was a little precarious. “Is this even a real trail?” I wondered. As a matter of fact, it is a real trail — Starvation Ridge Trail #414 to be exact. From below the falls, you can also walk a little further west along Mt. Defiance Trail #413 to reach Lancaster Falls.

From the top of Hole-in-the-Wall Falls, I could see the waterfall pouring through an actual hole in the rock wall. Indeed, Hole-in-the-Wall Falls is unique among local waterfalls due to the fact that it was man-made. A hole was drilled here to divert Warren Creek and prevent flooding over former Highway 30. Previously, a natural waterfall called Warren Creek Falls flowed much closer to the road.

After a nice break admiring Hole-in-the-Wall Falls from different angles, we set off for the next waterfall. Delicate Cabin Creek Falls is visible from the main trail. A short, rocky path leads up to small cave under the basalt cliff where you can feel the light spray of the falls. Later in the summer, you may find Cabin Creek Falls transformed to a mere trickle.

Next up: Starvation Creek. This area received its foreboding name after a passenger train was stranded here during a snowstorm in 1884. While the train remained immobile for three weeks, valiant efforts to transport food to the passengers ensured that no one actually starved, so perhaps the moniker is a bit dramatic.

Today, Starvation Creek hosts a pretty picnic site, and in April offered the only open restrooms along this segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail. Ahh, relief! It’s also a great quick stop for anyone driving the Columbia River Gorge. In just 1.5 miles round trip, you can walk from here to three waterfalls.

My mom met us at the trailhead for a snack break. As the lone person in our party who wasn’t biking, this was the perfect opportunity for her to enjoy a little Columbia Gorge beauty before meeting us at our ultimate destination, Viento State Park.

Before leaving Starvation Creek, I walked down the short side trail to view the falls. Starvation Creek Falls is by far the tallest waterfall along this route, although you can’t get quite as close. At the end of the trail, we craned our necks up to catch a view of the water cascading down the high cliffs. Closer by, Starvation Creek tumbled over mossy boulders, creating the perfect backdrop for a Columbia Gorge picnic. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who thought so, as a few picnic tables are strategically placed near the creek.

From Starvation Creek, there isn’t far to go to reach Viento. Before we knew it, our beautiful ride was over, and my mom was waiting at the trailhead to greet us. Luckily for us, this was only the first of several rides we would enjoy during our stay in the Columbia River Gorge. I couldn’t wait to try them all!