Difference between revisions of "Silver Star Mountain"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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Silver Star Mountain, commonly called just "Silver Star," is a bald, exposed peak in Skamania County in Southwest Washington not far from the eastern limits of Vancouver. It is one of the most prominent peaks on the northeastern horizon looking from Portland and is visible from points all over the [[Columbia River Gorge]]. Silver Star is a popular destination due to the amazing summer wildflower meadows on its slopes, as well as the fantastic 360 degree panoramic vista from the top. On a clear day, you can see five Cascade volcanoes: [[Mount Rainier|Rainier]], [[Mount Saint Helens|St. Helens]], [[Mount Adams|Adams]], [[Mount Hood|Hood]] and [[Mount Jefferson|Jefferson]]. It is a former lookout site, as evidenced by the remains of a foundation on the summit. | Silver Star Mountain, commonly called just "Silver Star," is a bald, exposed peak in Skamania County in Southwest Washington not far from the eastern limits of Vancouver. It is one of the most prominent peaks on the northeastern horizon looking from Portland and is visible from points all over the [[Columbia River Gorge]]. Silver Star is a popular destination due to the amazing summer wildflower meadows on its slopes, as well as the fantastic 360 degree panoramic vista from the top. On a clear day, you can see five Cascade volcanoes: [[Mount Rainier|Rainier]], [[Mount Saint Helens|St. Helens]], [[Mount Adams|Adams]], [[Mount Hood|Hood]] and [[Mount Jefferson|Jefferson]]. It is a former lookout site, as evidenced by the remains of a foundation on the summit. | ||
− | There are many approaches to climbing Silver Star. The three most popular options are: [[Silver Star Mountain Hike|Silver Star Trail #180]] from the north, the easiest of the three, but with | + | There are many approaches to climbing Silver Star. The three most popular options are: [[Silver Star Mountain Hike|Silver Star Trail #180]] from the north, the easiest hike of the three, but with the worst drive to the trailhead, currently needing high clearance and AWD; the [[Silver Star via Grouse Vista Hike|Grouse Vista Trail #180F]] from the south, the most varied and popular, but with the most elevation gain; and the [[Silver Star via Bluff Mountain Hike|Bluff Mountain Trail]] from the east, much longer but a lot quieter (a very potholed road and long drive, however). |
No matter which of the trails you select, you'll spend at least part of your journey surrounded by vast meadows on all sides, thanks to the devastating Yacolt Burn of 1902. Depending on the time of year, these meadows are filled with abundant wildflower blooms; many people say it's the best display anywhere near Portland. June and July are typically the peak months. | No matter which of the trails you select, you'll spend at least part of your journey surrounded by vast meadows on all sides, thanks to the devastating Yacolt Burn of 1902. Depending on the time of year, these meadows are filled with abundant wildflower blooms; many people say it's the best display anywhere near Portland. June and July are typically the peak months. |
Revision as of 18:18, 12 October 2020
- Hikes to this location:
- Silver Star Mountain Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Silver Star via Ed's Trail Loop Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Silver Star South Ridge Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Silver Star Mountain via Bluff Mountain Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Silver Star Mountain via Starway Trail Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Silver Star Mountain via Sturgeon Rock Loop Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.74776, -122.23903
- Elevation: 4375 feet
Description
Silver Star Mountain, commonly called just "Silver Star," is a bald, exposed peak in Skamania County in Southwest Washington not far from the eastern limits of Vancouver. It is one of the most prominent peaks on the northeastern horizon looking from Portland and is visible from points all over the Columbia River Gorge. Silver Star is a popular destination due to the amazing summer wildflower meadows on its slopes, as well as the fantastic 360 degree panoramic vista from the top. On a clear day, you can see five Cascade volcanoes: Rainier, St. Helens, Adams, Hood and Jefferson. It is a former lookout site, as evidenced by the remains of a foundation on the summit.
There are many approaches to climbing Silver Star. The three most popular options are: Silver Star Trail #180 from the north, the easiest hike of the three, but with the worst drive to the trailhead, currently needing high clearance and AWD; the Grouse Vista Trail #180F from the south, the most varied and popular, but with the most elevation gain; and the Bluff Mountain Trail from the east, much longer but a lot quieter (a very potholed road and long drive, however).
No matter which of the trails you select, you'll spend at least part of your journey surrounded by vast meadows on all sides, thanks to the devastating Yacolt Burn of 1902. Depending on the time of year, these meadows are filled with abundant wildflower blooms; many people say it's the best display anywhere near Portland. June and July are typically the peak months.
The Chinook Trail Association has been building a system of trails from Yacolt to Three Corner Rock with Silver Star Mountain as its crown jewel. This network is part of a large scale plan to connect existing trails all along the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.
More Links
- Silver Star Mountain (Skamania) (Summit Post)
- Silver Star Mountain via Ed's Trail Hike (Northwest Hiker)
- Silver Star Mountain Loop Hike (Northwest Hiker)
- July 23, 2008: Silver Star Mountain, Washington (Adam Schneider's digital photos)
- Silver Star Mountain (Forest Lookouts)
Page Contributors
- jeffstatt (creator)