Error? in "Silver Star Mountain via Sturgeon Rock Loop Hike"
Posted: October 15th, 2018, 10:02 am
Hi! (First post here, I think.) Just yesterday I hiked the Sturgeon Rock/Silver Star Mtn loop from Grouse Vista trailhead. On my ascent, I did get a bit confused as I hiked through the recent timber cut area above Rock Creek (and constantly wanted to curse-out the timber co. for all the destruction), but managed to find enough clues most of the way. It was harder to identify the trail in the clear-cut areas, but not impossible. And I had to cross major gravel logging roads a couple times. I had to make up a trail to get up-to and across the logging road at {45.743241, -122.265781}.
But aside from the timber activity, I'm *pretty* sure there's an error in the official hike description. I believe I was in the right place, the junction of Tarbell Trail and "the eroded jeep track" (L-1200A on Google Maps). I saw a sign post with no sign, which I guessed may have been the "Hidden Falls 2 miles" sign referenced in the directions. The key is, the directions say: "Go left and uphill on the eroded jeep track, which is rather steep and rocky." That should be a RIGHT turn to go east (not left).
I ended up not getting to the ridgecrest of Sturgeon Rock. The "steep trail" in that area was not clear to see, and very much a hand-over-hand steep rock climb. I lost confidence and came back down to the jeep track. But ultimately, I did summit Silver Star (my first time). It was mostly clear so the view was incredible in every direction. It was also incredibly windy on the exposed final trail and peak. I wish I had a way to measure wind speed, but I'm sure it was at least 50-70 mph. Came back down the Pyramid Rock side. Didn't have the energy to attempt that side-trip.
Fantastic experience as always -- memorable, exhausting, rewarding, satisfying.
=Karl=
But aside from the timber activity, I'm *pretty* sure there's an error in the official hike description. I believe I was in the right place, the junction of Tarbell Trail and "the eroded jeep track" (L-1200A on Google Maps). I saw a sign post with no sign, which I guessed may have been the "Hidden Falls 2 miles" sign referenced in the directions. The key is, the directions say: "Go left and uphill on the eroded jeep track, which is rather steep and rocky." That should be a RIGHT turn to go east (not left).
I ended up not getting to the ridgecrest of Sturgeon Rock. The "steep trail" in that area was not clear to see, and very much a hand-over-hand steep rock climb. I lost confidence and came back down to the jeep track. But ultimately, I did summit Silver Star (my first time). It was mostly clear so the view was incredible in every direction. It was also incredibly windy on the exposed final trail and peak. I wish I had a way to measure wind speed, but I'm sure it was at least 50-70 mph. Came back down the Pyramid Rock side. Didn't have the energy to attempt that side-trip.
Fantastic experience as always -- memorable, exhausting, rewarding, satisfying.
=Karl=