Silver Star Mountain
Location: Southwest Washington
driving directions to Grouse Vista
7 miles total, 2,000' gained (out and back)
out and back trail map from Grouse Vista
8 1/2 miles total, 2,000' gained, short loop
16 miles total, 3,700' gained, long loop
loops 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 several variations for reaching the summit of Silver Star Mountain:
a. out and back, and two loop versions starting at Grouse Vista trailhead.
b. out and back starting from Bluff Mountain trailhead.
c. out and back or partial loop starting from south ridge trailhead.
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.
Grouse Vista trailhead: 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.
Here are two of many potential loops:
The short loop (8 1/2 miles) proceeds up the Tarbell trail and then turns short of Hidden Falls. The main feature of this loop is that the first few miles are actually a trail, which ultimately takes you right alongside Sturgeon Rock prior to reaching Silver Star.
If you're looking to take in just about everything that the Silver Star area has to offer, consider the long loop (16 miles). Waterfalls, wide open meadows, rocky terrain, elevation gain, and more. . . rivals high mountain hikes much further away. To top if off, consider a side trip to Little Baldy's summit, which puts the icing on an already incredible day.
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 for a shorter 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.
7 miles total, 2,000' gained (out and back)
out and back trail map from Grouse Vista
8 1/2 miles total, 2,000' gained, short loop
16 miles total, 3,700' gained, long loop
loops 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 several variations for reaching the summit of Silver Star Mountain:
a. out and back, and two loop versions starting at Grouse Vista trailhead.
b. out and back starting from Bluff Mountain trailhead.
c. out and back or partial loop starting from south ridge trailhead.
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.
Grouse Vista trailhead: 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.
Here are two of many potential loops:
The short loop (8 1/2 miles) proceeds up the Tarbell trail and then turns short of Hidden Falls. The main feature of this loop is that the first few miles are actually a trail, which ultimately takes you right alongside Sturgeon Rock prior to reaching Silver Star.
If you're looking to take in just about everything that the Silver Star area has to offer, consider the long loop (16 miles). Waterfalls, wide open meadows, rocky terrain, elevation gain, and more. . . rivals high mountain hikes much further away. To top if off, consider a side trip to Little Baldy's summit, which puts the icing on an already incredible day.
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 for a shorter 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
Silver Star summit view: St. Helens, Rainier, Goat Rocks (barely), Adams
From summit looking south: Washougal River drainage, Hood, Jefferson.
Hidden Falls (long loop)
Chinook trail (long loop)
Ed's trail (long 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