Difference between revisions of "Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike"
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[[Category:Moderate Hikes]] | [[Category:Moderate Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Southwest Washington]] | [[Category:Southwest Washington]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Gifford Pinchot National Forest]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Columbia River Gorge]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]] | [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Family Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Wildflower Hikes]] | [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]] | ||
| − | [[ | + | [[Category:Hikes]] |
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| − | + | [[Image:SilverStarSummit.jpg|thumb|400px|Hikers near the summit of Silver Star Mt, with Mt. Jefferson in the distance. ''(Jeff Statt)'']] | |
| + | [[Image:GrouseVistaTrail.jpg|thumb|250px|The Grouse Vista Trail as it emerges from the forest to an exposed section. (Sturgeon Rock in the background) ''(Jeff Statt)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:PyramidRockFromGrouseVista.jpg|thumb|250px|Pryamid Rock ''(Jeff Statt)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:SS09 SummitZoom.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Saint Helens and Rainier with the Silver Star summit in the foreground. ''(Jeff Statt)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:SilverStarTrailNetworkGV.JPG|thumb|380px|USFS Silver Star network map]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Start point|Grouse Vista Trailhead}} | ||
* End point: [[Silver Star Mountain]] | * End point: [[Silver Star Mountain]] | ||
* Trail Log: [[Silver Star via Grouse Vista Hike/Log|Trail Log]] | * Trail Log: [[Silver Star via Grouse Vista Hike/Log|Trail Log]] | ||
* Hike Type: Out and Back | * Hike Type: Out and Back | ||
| − | + | {{Distance|6.8 miles}} (round trip) | |
| − | + | {{Elevation Gain|2040 feet}} | |
{{Difficulty|Moderate}} | {{Difficulty|Moderate}} | ||
* Seasons: May through November | * Seasons: May through November | ||
* Backpackable: Yes | * Backpackable: Yes | ||
| − | ** (camp site options are limited) | + | ** (camp site options are limited; no water sources available) |
* Crowded: Yes | * Crowded: Yes | ||
| − | * Family Friendly: | + | * Family Friendly: Yes, for older kids |
| − | + | ||
=== Hike Description === | === Hike Description === | ||
| − | [[Silver Star Mountain]] is one of the best 360 degree summits within a day's drive of Portland, boasting a rocky, exposed viewpoint of five major cascade volcanoes. | + | [[Silver Star Mountain]] is one of the best 360 degree summits within a day's drive of Portland, boasting a rocky, exposed viewpoint of five major cascade volcanoes. It is also a great wildflower area in the spring, and huckleberries abound in the fall. Further, there are enough unique and sometimes fanciful rock outcrops along your journey that you'll wish you brought a geologist along! This hike on the south side has become the most popular access point since Road 4109 to the [[Silver Star Mountain Trailhead]] on the north has become impassable to all but the most rugged of 4WD vehicles. While this route does not have the plethora of wildflowers or the numerous trailside views that the north route does, the advantage is that you will have plenty of shade on hot days since two-thirds of the hike is in the forest. You will also not destroy your car getting to the trailhead. And if you're up for a long hike, you can still tack on the [[Silver Star Mountain Loop Hike (via Ed's Trail)]] to your hike. |
| − | Of the many hike options in the Silver Star area, three are most established: The [[Silver Star via Grouse Vista Hike|Grouse Vista Trail]], [[Silver Star Hike|Silver Star Trail #180]] and the Bluff Mountain Trail. | + | Of the many hike options in the Silver Star area, three are most established: The [[Silver Star via Grouse Vista Hike|Grouse Vista Trail]], [[Silver Star Hike|Silver Star Trail #180]] and the [[Silver Star via Bluff Mountain Hike|Bluff Mountain Trail]]. |
| − | The Grouse Vista | + | The Grouse Vista option, from the south, is a little longer with more elevation gain than Silver Star from the north, but the road is easier. The Bluff Mountain trail is somewhat longer. The hike from Grouse Vista is also the option with the most diverse terrain - alternating between exposure and shade, passing by large geologic formations, and keeping most of panoramic views available from the Silver Star summit under wraps until the final approach. The hike can probably be divided in three sections: 1) Steep and forested, 2) Exposed and flat, then 3) Very steep and in-and-out of the trees. Each section is just about a mile long. |
| − | Starting from the [[Grouse Vista Trailhead]] head due north. | + | Starting from the [[Grouse Vista Trailhead]] head due north. (There is a trail leading south with a trailhead sign for [[Larch Mountain (Clark County))|Larch Mountain]]. Before you've even begun, you reach your first trail junction. The [[Grouse Vista-Tarbell Trail Junction|Tarbell Trail]] diverts off the the left. This connects to the west Chinook Trail network and the [[Silver Star Mountain via Sturgeon Rock Loop Hike]]. If you want a longer return option you may return this way. (Details later). |
| − | As you continue straight, you notice the trail is full of loose rocks | + | As you continue straight, you notice the trail is full of loose rocks. Good boots and trekking poles are highly recommended. You are following the path of an old forest road, but the road's condition is so eroded and grown over that you almost wouldn't know. The ascent here is a bit steep in places, and there are no switchbacks. There is one seasonal creek on this section of trail, but do not rely on it for drinking water. There are no other source of water the rest of the way. |
| − | After about .8 mile, the trail levels out and you begin to see views off to your left (west) of the city of Vancouver, and of a radio-tower-topped | + | After about 0.8 mile, the trail levels out and you begin to see views off to your left (west) of the city of Vancouver, and of a radio-tower-topped Larch Mountain behind you to the south. At just over a mile the forest will open up to a massive meadow. In spring this is a gorgeous field of wildflowers, and in the fall, it's filled with ripe huckleberries. You'll also be treated to two unique geologic formations: [[Pyramid Rock]] to your right and [[Sturgeon Rock]] in the distance to the north. |
| − | + | At about mile 1.4, a trail goes right and up. This trail goes on the east side of Pyramid Rock, allows access to the top of the rock, and connects back to the main trail at about mile 2.3. This would be an alternate for the return trip or for another time. There are fewer people and it requires a bit of route finding. | |
| − | + | You'll continue straight on the main trail, which is a smaller, but still well-worn, path. It levels out and actually drops about 50 foot of elevation as you walk the west side of Pyramid Rock and follow along the ridgeline. | |
| − | + | Continue for another mile. The trail eventually dips into the forest again and zig zags a bit as it starts taking on elevation. At the top of a particularly steep section you'll get to the [[Silver Star-Grouse Vista Trail Junction]] where you'll pick up Trail #180. Go left (northward) at this fork. The next 0.2 mile will be the steepest push before getting to the [[Silver Star-Indian Pits Trail Junction]]. The faint Indian Pit Trail (#180E) heads south one mile on a ridgeline to an open scree slope and the [[Silver Star Indian Pits]]. An old road heads west from here. This road is the former route of the Sturgeon Rock Trail. | |
| − | You will continue straight, heading generally northward. | + | You will continue straight, heading generally northward. It's not long now (0.1 mile) before you meet up with the trails approaching Silver Star from the north side. At the [[Silver Star-Summit Trail Junction|unmarked junction]] you'll turn right, heading east up the final push to the summit, which you should see after about 0.3 mile. |
| − | As you approach the summit, the views to the north, east and south open up wide to you with Adams, Hood, Rainier and St. Helens sitting respectfully at their benches along the horizon. | + | As you approach the summit, the views to the north, east and south open up wide to you with [[Mount Adams]], [[Mount Hood]], [[Mount Rainier]] and [[Mount Saint Helens|Mount St. Helens]] sitting respectfully at their benches along the horizon. On a really clear day you can see [[Mount Jefferson]] due south. |
| − | The trail hits the middle of a saddle. | + | The trail hits the middle of a saddle. There is a dual-summit of sorts. Take the left spur to the "true" summit which has the remnants of an old fire lookout. Then turn back and hike up the short 'south summit' (called '''Star 2''' on the USGS maps) for the great photo-op of the north summit with Rainier and St. Helens at it's side. |
You can return the way you came. | You can return the way you came. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Fees and Regulations == | ||
| + | * A Washington Discover Pass is required to park at the Grouse Vista Trailhead. | ||
== Maps == | == Maps == | ||
{{Hikemaps|latitude=45.74000|longitude=-122.23000}} | {{Hikemaps|latitude=45.74000|longitude=-122.23000}} | ||
| + | * [https://www.dnr.wa.gov/geo/yacolt.pdf Yacolt Burn State Forest: Non-motorized Trails (Washington DNR)] | ||
| + | * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/PA_WIDConsumption/wid/EnlargeImage.jsp?param5=null¶m1=PA_WIDConsumption¶m2=STELPRDB5160924¶m3=Silver%20Star%20Area%20General%20Trails%20Map¶m4=/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5160924.jpg&pname=Forest%20Service Silver Star Trails (USFS)] | ||
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{{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}} | {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}} | ||
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{{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}} | {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}} | ||
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== Guidebooks that cover this hike == | == Guidebooks that cover this hike == | ||
| + | * ''Afoot & Afield Portland/Vancouver'' by Douglas Lorain | ||
| + | * ''PDX Hiking 365'' by Matt Reeder | ||
== More Links == | == More Links == | ||
| + | * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31634 Trails #180 & #180D Silver Star & Summit (USFS)] | ||
== Contributors == | == Contributors == | ||
* [[User:jeffstatt|jeffstatt]] | * [[User:jeffstatt|jeffstatt]] | ||
| + | * [[User:retiredjerry|retiredjerry]] | ||
| + | |||
[[Image:GrouseVistraMap.JPG|thumb|380px|Map of route|left]] | [[Image:GrouseVistraMap.JPG|thumb|380px|Map of route|left]] | ||
[[Image:GrouseVistraProfile.JPG|thumb|380px|Hike profile|left]] | [[Image:GrouseVistraProfile.JPG|thumb|380px|Hike profile|left]] | ||
Revision as of 15:13, 27 June 2019
- Start point: Grouse Vista Trailhead
- End point: Silver Star Mountain
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and Back
- Distance: 6.8 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 2040 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: May through November
- Backpackable: Yes
- (camp site options are limited; no water sources available)
- Crowded: Yes
- Family Friendly: Yes, for older kids
Contents |
Hike Description
Silver Star Mountain is one of the best 360 degree summits within a day's drive of Portland, boasting a rocky, exposed viewpoint of five major cascade volcanoes. It is also a great wildflower area in the spring, and huckleberries abound in the fall. Further, there are enough unique and sometimes fanciful rock outcrops along your journey that you'll wish you brought a geologist along! This hike on the south side has become the most popular access point since Road 4109 to the Silver Star Mountain Trailhead on the north has become impassable to all but the most rugged of 4WD vehicles. While this route does not have the plethora of wildflowers or the numerous trailside views that the north route does, the advantage is that you will have plenty of shade on hot days since two-thirds of the hike is in the forest. You will also not destroy your car getting to the trailhead. And if you're up for a long hike, you can still tack on the Silver Star Mountain Loop Hike (via Ed's Trail) to your hike.
Of the many hike options in the Silver Star area, three are most established: The Grouse Vista Trail, Silver Star Trail #180 and the Bluff Mountain Trail.
The Grouse Vista option, from the south, is a little longer with more elevation gain than Silver Star from the north, but the road is easier. The Bluff Mountain trail is somewhat longer. The hike from Grouse Vista is also the option with the most diverse terrain - alternating between exposure and shade, passing by large geologic formations, and keeping most of panoramic views available from the Silver Star summit under wraps until the final approach. The hike can probably be divided in three sections: 1) Steep and forested, 2) Exposed and flat, then 3) Very steep and in-and-out of the trees. Each section is just about a mile long.
Starting from the Grouse Vista Trailhead head due north. (There is a trail leading south with a trailhead sign for Larch Mountain. Before you've even begun, you reach your first trail junction. The Tarbell Trail diverts off the the left. This connects to the west Chinook Trail network and the Silver Star Mountain via Sturgeon Rock Loop Hike. If you want a longer return option you may return this way. (Details later).
As you continue straight, you notice the trail is full of loose rocks. Good boots and trekking poles are highly recommended. You are following the path of an old forest road, but the road's condition is so eroded and grown over that you almost wouldn't know. The ascent here is a bit steep in places, and there are no switchbacks. There is one seasonal creek on this section of trail, but do not rely on it for drinking water. There are no other source of water the rest of the way.
After about 0.8 mile, the trail levels out and you begin to see views off to your left (west) of the city of Vancouver, and of a radio-tower-topped Larch Mountain behind you to the south. At just over a mile the forest will open up to a massive meadow. In spring this is a gorgeous field of wildflowers, and in the fall, it's filled with ripe huckleberries. You'll also be treated to two unique geologic formations: Pyramid Rock to your right and Sturgeon Rock in the distance to the north.
At about mile 1.4, a trail goes right and up. This trail goes on the east side of Pyramid Rock, allows access to the top of the rock, and connects back to the main trail at about mile 2.3. This would be an alternate for the return trip or for another time. There are fewer people and it requires a bit of route finding.
You'll continue straight on the main trail, which is a smaller, but still well-worn, path. It levels out and actually drops about 50 foot of elevation as you walk the west side of Pyramid Rock and follow along the ridgeline.
Continue for another mile. The trail eventually dips into the forest again and zig zags a bit as it starts taking on elevation. At the top of a particularly steep section you'll get to the Silver Star-Grouse Vista Trail Junction where you'll pick up Trail #180. Go left (northward) at this fork. The next 0.2 mile will be the steepest push before getting to the Silver Star-Indian Pits Trail Junction. The faint Indian Pit Trail (#180E) heads south one mile on a ridgeline to an open scree slope and the Silver Star Indian Pits. An old road heads west from here. This road is the former route of the Sturgeon Rock Trail.
You will continue straight, heading generally northward. It's not long now (0.1 mile) before you meet up with the trails approaching Silver Star from the north side. At the unmarked junction you'll turn right, heading east up the final push to the summit, which you should see after about 0.3 mile.
As you approach the summit, the views to the north, east and south open up wide to you with Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens sitting respectfully at their benches along the horizon. On a really clear day you can see Mount Jefferson due south.
The trail hits the middle of a saddle. There is a dual-summit of sorts. Take the left spur to the "true" summit which has the remnants of an old fire lookout. Then turn back and hike up the short 'south summit' (called Star 2 on the USGS maps) for the great photo-op of the north summit with Rainier and St. Helens at it's side.
You can return the way you came.
Fees and Regulations
- A Washington Discover Pass is required to park at the Grouse Vista Trailhead.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Yacolt Burn State Forest: Non-motorized Trails (Washington DNR)
- Silver Star Trails (USFS)
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike
(Click here to add your own)
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Afoot & Afield Portland/Vancouver by Douglas Lorain
- PDX Hiking 365 by Matt Reeder
More Links
Contributors
