Mt. Defiance Trailhead – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Viento State Park
Mt. Defiance Trailhead – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Viento State Park
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Mt. Defiance Trailhead – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Viento State Park
01:21
19.9km
290m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
818 m
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.79 km
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
5.33 km
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
9.91 km
Wyeth State Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
16.0 km
Mt. Defiance Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
17.0 km
Starvation Creek State Park
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
19.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
18.0 km
1.58 km
371 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
9.72 km
9.44 km
447 m
327 m
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Elevation
Highest point (80 m)
Lowest point (30 m)
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Weather
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Friday 10 July
28°C
18°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Mt. Defiance Trailhead – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Viento State Park is a fantastic touring cycling route that offers a moderate challenge, covering 12.4 miles (19.9 km) with 949 feet (289 metres) of elevation gain, all achievable in about 1 hours and 20 minutes. This route is perfect if you're looking for a scenic, paved ride through the Columbia River Gorge without the extreme demands of mountain biking, making it an excellent choice for a rewarding day out on two wheels.
What to expect on Mt. Defiance Trailhead – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Viento State Park
This touring cycling route primarily follows the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, offering a journey through stunning Gorge scenery. You'll ride on mostly well-paved surfaces, passing towering basalt cliffs and lush sections of old-growth Douglas-fir and hemlock forests. A highlight is cycling past multiple waterfalls, including Starvation Creek Falls, Cabin Creek Falls, Hole-in-the-Wall Falls, and Lancaster Falls. The route also traverses the impressive 500-foot Summit Creek Viaduct, providing panoramic views across the Columbia River into Washington. While generally easy, expect a gradual uphill climb in some sections, particularly when approaching the Summit Creek Viaduct, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
Planning your visit
This popular touring cycling route is accessible and well-maintained. Restroom facilities are conveniently located at both Starvation Creek State Park and Viento State Park, which also serve as excellent starting points with parking. E-bikes are permitted on this state trail, making it even more accessible. Remember that while the name includes "Mt. Defiance Trailhead," this route is specifically for cycling on the paved state trail, not the challenging Mt. Defiance hiking trail.
Trail details
- Distance: 12.4 miles (19.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 949 feet (289 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 20 minutes
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