Silver Star via Grouse Vista April 27

[aircooled]

The day started out so sunny and beautiful it looked like a good chance to catch some splendid views from the summit of Silver Star. We took L1200 to the Grouse Vista trailhead and started out in warm sunshine, which lasted all the way to the summit. A few minutes after reaching the top, clouds settled in. While we still had excellent views of several peaks, Rainier was lost and St. Helens was capped in clouds.

[kepPNW]

Nice! I've been eager to get back up there, too. Maybe this weekend. What sort of condition was the snow in? Looked like some of the footsteps were sinking in 8" or more? (Hard to tell.)

Thanks for the report!

[VanMarmot]

Nice! I've been eager to get back up there, too. Maybe this weekend. What sort of condition was the snow in? Looked like some of the footsteps were sinking in 8" or more? (Hard to tell.)

Thanks for the report!

Go up the South Ridge, Karl. The South Ridge. Less snow, fewer people than from Grouse Vista on a weekend.

[kepPNW]

Go up the South Ridge, Karl.

Not to mention quicker to get to; quicker to get home!

Yep, that was my plan. Still looks like some post-holing way up there, though? Really don't want to haul snowshoes for a 1/2 mile of use. (Hoping to hear it's hard enough to walk on!)

Edit: D'oh! I didn't realize your TR was the same day as this. I definitely liked the (snowfree!) look of your route. Thought this might be newer info.

[aircooled]

Nice! I've been eager to get back up there, too. Maybe this weekend. What sort of condition was the snow in? Looked like some of the footsteps were sinking in 8" or more? (Hard to tell.)

Thanks for the report!

We didn't have any problems with postholing as the snow was very consolidated. We both wore Microspikes. We only ran into two other small groups on the trail. I plan to do it again from Bluff Mountain - any advice from those who've done it?

[payslee]

Am I correct to assume that this turnout requires a Discovery pass? Or at least, that it does not require a NW Forest Pass?

Thanks,
payslee

[kepPNW]

Grouse Vista is definitely Discover Pass.

I believe the South Ridge trailhead is too, but it wasn't signed last time I was there.