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Starvation Creek State Park

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Starvation Creek State Park, a day-use facility 8 miles east of Cascade Locks, although often overlooked, contains a fascinating story on the history of its name. On December 18, 1884, the Pacific Express left The Dalles with 148 passengers and crew, scheduled to arrive in Portland later that day. Instead, they were trapped between avalanches, unable to proceed in either direction. A relief party finally reached them on Christmas Day by foot. Workers labored to open the line to Portland. Only on December 30 did a train break through from The Dalles and on January 6, the Pacific Express finally reached Portland.

Sadly, there is nothing left at the site to tell the story of the tragedy that nearly happened in the blizzard of '84.

Today, visitors to this day-use park may enjoy the many trails that venture onto adjacent National Forest land.

Quality experiences await visitors to more than 200 state parks managed for the public by the Oregon State Parks.



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