Silver Star Mountain
Location: Southwest Washington
7 miles total, 2,000' gained
driving directions to Grouse Vista
out and back trail map from Grouse Vista
loop trail map from Grouse Vista
12 1/2 miles total, 1,500' gained
driving directions to Bluff Mtn.
trail map from Bluff Mtn.
8 miles total, 2,800' gained
driving directions to south ridge
trail map from south ridge
fire history
forest service site
weather forecast for this area
Described are both the out and back and loop hikes to Silver Star Mountain starting at the Grouse Vista trailhead, as well as additional hikes starting from the Bluff Mtn. and south ridge trailheads.
Due to several fires in the early 1900's, much of the area is open, giving it a high country feel. With the close proximity to the cities, along with amazing scenery, expect company. Fortunately, there are several trailheads that can be used to reach Silver Star Mtn. The Grouse Vista, Bluff Mtn. and south ridge trailheads are covered here. Ed's trail and Starway are not.
Grouse Vista: For the out and back trip (7 miles), pass by Pyramid Rock, with views up toward Sturgeon Rock and Silver Star. The trail (old access road, current creek bed in places) is rocky the majority of the way and requires constant attentiveness. But you'll get over that, as once to the former lookout site at 4,300' on Silver Star Mountain, the views are spectacular. All the regional peaks can be seen, with Mt. Adams, Goat Rocks, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens all gracefully displayed seemingly right next to one another. Mt. Hood and even Mt. Jefferson can be seen to the south. Flowers in season cover parts of the hike, as well as berries in the fall.
For the loop version, the Tarbell trail heads north just a few steps from the lot. The main feature of the loop is that the first few miles are actually a trail, which ultimately takes you right alongside Sturgeon Rock. Add about 1 1/2 miles (8 1/2 miles total) for the loop version to Silver Star.
(Summer 2018 update: parts of the Tarbell trail between Grouse Vista and Hidden Falls junction #180C were being logged. The trail may not be accessible due to downed timber and newly graded logging roads).
Additionally from the loop, a side trip to Hidden Falls is possible. Unfortunately, the trail passes through more recent/active logging, but the falls are left untouched. See loop trail map for details.
Bluff Mtn. trailhead: This route is definitely less traveled than the very popular starting point at Grouse Vista. While the Bluff Mtn. trail is longer, at about 12 1/2 miles, the elevation gain is modest. In addition, this route affords outstanding views from different angles as you make the arcing trek south and west. If you've been up Silver Star from Grouse Vista or Ed's, starting from Bluff Mtn. will give you a whole new perspective. As an added bonus, you can scramble to the summit of Little Baldy as you pass by. See notes on trail map.
South ridge trailhead: This is the shortest drive, but most elevation gained during the hike. Another route less traveled, but with the possibility to pull in a partial loop and visit the interesting Indian Pits on the return. Plus a little off-trail walking gives this trip a twist if you've been to Silver Star multiple times before.
Best done early summer through fall. A Discover Pass is required for parking at Grouse Vista.
driving directions to Grouse Vista
out and back trail map from Grouse Vista
loop trail map from Grouse Vista
12 1/2 miles total, 1,500' gained
driving directions to Bluff Mtn.
trail map from Bluff Mtn.
8 miles total, 2,800' gained
driving directions to south ridge
trail map from south ridge
fire history
forest service site
weather forecast for this area
Described are both the out and back and loop hikes to Silver Star Mountain starting at the Grouse Vista trailhead, as well as additional hikes starting from the Bluff Mtn. and south ridge trailheads.
Due to several fires in the early 1900's, much of the area is open, giving it a high country feel. With the close proximity to the cities, along with amazing scenery, expect company. Fortunately, there are several trailheads that can be used to reach Silver Star Mtn. The Grouse Vista, Bluff Mtn. and south ridge trailheads are covered here. Ed's trail and Starway are not.
Grouse Vista: For the out and back trip (7 miles), pass by Pyramid Rock, with views up toward Sturgeon Rock and Silver Star. The trail (old access road, current creek bed in places) is rocky the majority of the way and requires constant attentiveness. But you'll get over that, as once to the former lookout site at 4,300' on Silver Star Mountain, the views are spectacular. All the regional peaks can be seen, with Mt. Adams, Goat Rocks, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens all gracefully displayed seemingly right next to one another. Mt. Hood and even Mt. Jefferson can be seen to the south. Flowers in season cover parts of the hike, as well as berries in the fall.
For the loop version, the Tarbell trail heads north just a few steps from the lot. The main feature of the loop is that the first few miles are actually a trail, which ultimately takes you right alongside Sturgeon Rock. Add about 1 1/2 miles (8 1/2 miles total) for the loop version to Silver Star.
(Summer 2018 update: parts of the Tarbell trail between Grouse Vista and Hidden Falls junction #180C were being logged. The trail may not be accessible due to downed timber and newly graded logging roads).
Additionally from the loop, a side trip to Hidden Falls is possible. Unfortunately, the trail passes through more recent/active logging, but the falls are left untouched. See loop trail map for details.
Bluff Mtn. trailhead: This route is definitely less traveled than the very popular starting point at Grouse Vista. While the Bluff Mtn. trail is longer, at about 12 1/2 miles, the elevation gain is modest. In addition, this route affords outstanding views from different angles as you make the arcing trek south and west. If you've been up Silver Star from Grouse Vista or Ed's, starting from Bluff Mtn. will give you a whole new perspective. As an added bonus, you can scramble to the summit of Little Baldy as you pass by. See notes on trail map.
South ridge trailhead: This is the shortest drive, but most elevation gained during the hike. Another route less traveled, but with the possibility to pull in a partial loop and visit the interesting Indian Pits on the return. Plus a little off-trail walking gives this trip a twist if you've been to Silver Star multiple times before.
Best done early summer through fall. A Discover Pass is required for parking at Grouse Vista.
Pyramid Rock
Sturgeon Rock
Mt. Adams
Goat Rocks
Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier
Washougal River drainage, Mt. Hood
Hidden Falls, side trip from loop
Little Baldy Mtn from north, Silver Star in distance, from Bluff Mtn. trail
Silver Star in distance, south side of Little Baldy, from Bluff Mtn. trail
Silver Star in the distance, from LIttle Baldy summit
Ascending south ridge trail below Indian Pits; fogbow in the valley
Indian pits area