Starvation Creek Out-and-Back

Dogs Off-leash

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starvation Creek is a hidden gem of a trail. Tucked up into the mountains and far from the closest highway, this narrow singletrack trail climbs up a steep-sided mountain valley along the banks of a rushing mountain stream. After negotiating some sections of scree, the trail turns steeply uphill, climbing through the pines before breaking out into a high alpine meadow at the top of the trail. From the top, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks! And due to this trail's isolation, the chance of seeing wildlife—especially in the upper meadow—is high.

Expect downhill mountain bike traffic.

Accessing the marked trailhead likely requires a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance, due to sections of the road having been washed out and turning into the stream bed. If you're willing to add on several miles of road walking, you can also hike to the noted trailhead from the trailhead at Shirley Site.

As noted in the "Need to Know" section, simply accessing the beginning of this singletrack trail is an adventure. There isn't a defined trailhead parking lot at the bottom of the singletrack, and you might not see another human being on this off-the-beaten-path run. However, if you do see another human, it's likely to be a mountain biker coming downhill at high speeds—be sure to remain aware of oncoming trail traffic.

The run, as mapped here, begins from a signed entrance to the Starvation Creek Trail by crossing a bridge and beginning a mellow uphill climb along the side of the creek. The first stretch of the trail is fairly mild, and you'll alternate between deep, dark forest and the occasional opening in the trees before eventually plunging into the depths of the forest.

Starvation Creek Valley is steep-sided and narrow. Not only is there no cell reception, but the rocky mountainsides are so steep that GPS signal is unreliable. This beautiful valley truly feels wild and adventurous! Thankfully, there aren't any trail junctions until you reach the top of the trail, where it hits a dirt road.

One of the rockiest portions of the trail consists of a scree field in the bottom of the valley. While it's fairly easy to negotiate, take care not to twist an ankle.

After winding up along the side of the creek for several miles, the trail turns back to the right and begins climbing up the mountainside in earnest. The upper stretch of the trail is much steeper and more strenuous.

Eventually, you'll pop out into a gorgeous high alpine meadow, which offers the promised views of the surrounding mountain peaks. The views from the top of the trail are spectacular and provide a worthy reward for the effort.

The route shown here is an out-and-back, returning via the same trail. However, there are other trails and dirt 4x4 roads that connect to the top of Starvation Creek, providing the opportunity for an even bigger adventure in the mountains.