Wonder Creek (Lancaster Falls)

Wonder Creek is part of the Starvation Creek complex of waterfalls near the trailhead for Mt. Defiance.

Parking area is for the rest area at Starvation Creek State Park just off exit 55 (I-84 eastbound only). Follow the bike trail west along I-84 and, at Hole-in-the-Wall Falls, divert onto the Starvation Ridge trail. Hike upwards until you reach a junction and continue west ~0.1mi to Lancaster Falls just adjacent to the trail. Continue about another 0.15mi before breaking off and bushwhacking up a gully on an ascending traverse to the southeast. Lots of loose rock underfoot; good to wear a helmet. Keep going up ~500ft until you cross a minor ridge around 900ft elevation. On the far side, descend to the creek. It's spring-fed and starts right out of the hillside. Depending on where you drop in, you may need to do 1-2 nuisance rappels before downclimbing to the R1 station on the DCR side of the creek.

The R1 anchor is exposed, so you may want to rig a traverse or rappel to reach it safely. Cross under the falls and downclimb the chute a bit.

Return the way you came.