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Difference between revisions of "Silver Star North Trailhead"

From Oregon Hikers Field Guide

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[[Category:Southwest Washington]]
 
[[Category:Southwest Washington]]
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[[Category:Gifford Pinchot National Forest]]
 
[[Category:Forest Road Access]]
 
[[Category:Forest Road Access]]
 
[[Category:Trailheads]]
 
[[Category:Trailheads]]
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[[Image:SSTH.JPG|thumb|400px|The horribly inaccurate sign at this trailhead ''(Steve Hart)'']]
 
[[Image:SSTH.JPG|thumb|400px|The horribly inaccurate sign at this trailhead ''(Steve Hart)'']]
  
{{Maplinkinfo|latitude=45.76656|longitude=-122.24174}}
+
{{Maplinkinfo|latitude=45.7725|longitude=-122.2445}}
{{Elevation|3440 feet}}
+
* Elevation: 3440 feet
 
{{Driving Time|1.5 hours}}
 
{{Driving Time|1.5 hours}}
  
 
=== Hikes starting here ===
 
=== Hikes starting here ===
* {{Hike ring|trailhead=Silver Star Trailhead|hike=Silver Star Hike|log=Silver Star Hike/Log|previous=Silver Star Trailhead|next=Silver Star-Ed's North Trail Junction}}
+
* {{Hike ring|trailhead=Silver Star North Trailhead|hike=Silver Star Mountain Hike|log=Silver Star Mountain Hike/Log|previous=Silver Star North Trailhead|next=Silver Star-Ed's Trail Junction}}
* {{Hike ring|trailhead=Silver Star Trailhead|hike=Silver Star Loop Hike|log=Silver Star Loop Hike/Log|previous=Silver Star Trailhead|next=Silver Star-Ed's North Trail Junction}}
+
* {{Hike ring|trailhead=Silver Star North Trailhead|hike=Silver Star via Ed's Trail Loop Hike|log=Silver Star via Ed's Trail Loop Hike/Log|previous=Silver Star North Trailhead|next=Silver Star-Ed's Trail Junction}}
  
 
=== Fees and Regulations ===
 
=== Fees and Regulations ===
 
* No fee at this trailhead
 
* No fee at this trailhead
  
=== Driving Directions via Sunset Campground ===
+
=== Driving Directions ===
* Also see the better alternative below. However, this approach road via Sunset Campground is open when not blocked by snow in winter - unlike alternative via Dole Valley Rd. which gets periodically closed for logging, etc.
+
There are two approaches to this trailhead.  The Dole Valley Road option takes you 6.75 miles on a very good gravel road (L1100), avoiding "pothole alley" above Sunset Campground, so it's generally much better; however, the locals say it may be periodically closed until about July, so do know the Sunset Campground directions — just in case.  Forest Service Roads are not plowed, and especially during the winter, conditions can change at any time.  It is wise to carry a shovel and saw in case of slides or blowdowns.  Check on current conditions before planning a hike.
  
Warning: the last 8 miles is on a rough road with potholes, boulders, stream channels, and washboardingYou could get a flat tire, break an axle, or other damage.  Especially the last three miles is really difficult in a standard passenger car. Forest Service Roads are not plowed, and especially during the winter conditions can change at any time.  It is wise to carry a shovel and saw in case of slides or blowdownsAccess current conditions before planning a hike.
+
Both options finish with 2.6 miles on Forest Road 4109, which is extremely rutted and rough, with deep potholes and trenches, and getting worse every year'''High clearance is required and 4WD is STRONGLY recommended.'''  
  
 +
=== Driving Directions via Dole Valley Rd/L1100 Rd ===
 
Go North on I-5 from Vancouver, take exit 11, and take highway 502 5.8 miles to Battle Ground, or take I-205 and then highway 503 from Vancouver to Battle Ground.
 
Go North on I-5 from Vancouver, take exit 11, and take highway 502 5.8 miles to Battle Ground, or take I-205 and then highway 503 from Vancouver to Battle Ground.
  
Line 30: Line 32:
 
|1
 
|1
 
|0.0
 
|0.0
|Reset Odometer at well-signed intersection of highways 502 and 503.  Go North on highway 503.
+
|Reset odometer at the well-signed intersection of highways 502 and 503 in Battle Ground.  Go North on highway 503.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|2
 
|2
 
|5.6
 
|5.6
|Turn right on Rock Creek Road.  There's a sign saying "Lucia Falls, Moulton Falls". Rock Creek Road becomes Lucia Falls Road after a while.
+
|Turn right on Rock Creek Road.  There's a sign saying "Lucia Falls, Moulton Falls". Rock Creek Road becomes Lucia Falls Road after a while. Follow it 8.6 miles.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|3
 
|3
 
|14.2
 
|14.2
|Turn right on Sunset Falls Road.  There's a sign saying "Sunset C. G.".
+
|Turn right on Sunset Falls Road.  There's a sign saying "Sunset C. G." Follow this road for just 2 miles.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|4
 
|4
|21.9
+
|16.2
|Turn right on Road 41 which goes through Sunset Campground, over the East Fork Lewis River, and then goes left.
+
|Turn right on Dole Valley Rd (or one that becomes it), over the East Fork Lewis River, and follow this paved road uphill 2.4 miles.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|5
 
|5
|25.3
+
|18.6
|Turn right on Road 4109.
+
|Turn left on gravel road L1100. Ignore a couple of right turns (esp. after 2.2 miles) and then a couple on the left and just stay on the better road. Follow it for 6.75 miles.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|5
 
|5
|about 26.6
+
|about 25.3
|Turn left at unmarked 4-way junction, still on Road 4109. At this point a high clearance vehicle with 4WD/AWD is required
+
|At an unsigned junction turn right on Road 4109. Follow this very rocky, very rutted road 2.6 miles to the trailhead. A high clearance vehicle with 4WD/AWD is required.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|6
 
|6
|29.5
+
|about 27.9
 
|Silver Star Trailhead.
 
|Silver Star Trailhead.
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
*Link to a [http://www.hillmap.com/m/ag1zfmhpbGxtYXAtaGRychELEghTYXZlZE1hcBjV34wBDA map with a downloadable GPX track of the road], via Dole Valley Rd. The track is from SR 503/Rock Creek Rd junction, to the trailhead.
  
=== Driving Directions via Dole Valley Rd/L1100 Rd ===
+
=== Driving Directions via Sunset Campground ===
This option avoids "pothole alley" above Sunset Campground so it's much better. The locals say it's periodically closed until about July, so do know the directions described above, via Sunset Campground - just in case. Once off paved Dole Valley Rd, it's 6.75 miles on very good gravel road (L1100), but after that the last 2.6 miles on Rd 4109 (same as the last stretch in the 1st directions) which is very rutted and rough with deep potholes and trenches. This stretch is really difficult in a standard passenger car and high clearance is strongly recommended. There's a requirement for Discover Pass on Rd. L1100 (which passes DNR land) but it's not needed on Rd. 4109 or the trailhead, so if you don't stop on L1100 you're probably okay.
+
 
+
 
Go North on I-5 from Vancouver, take exit 11, and take highway 502 5.8 miles to Battle Ground, or take I-205 and then highway 503 from Vancouver to Battle Ground.
 
Go North on I-5 from Vancouver, take exit 11, and take highway 502 5.8 miles to Battle Ground, or take I-205 and then highway 503 from Vancouver to Battle Ground.
 +
 +
* Also see the better alternative above. However, this approach road via Sunset Campground is open when not blocked by snow in winter - unlike the Dole Valley Rd. option, which gets periodically closed for logging, etc.
 +
 +
* Warning: the last 8 miles is on a rough road with potholes, boulders, stream channels, and washboarding.  You could get a flat tire, break an axle, or other damage.  The last three miles are especially difficult in a standard passenger car.
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 76: Line 81:
 
|1
 
|1
 
|0.0
 
|0.0
|Reset Odometer at well-signed intersection of highways 502 and 503.  Go North on highway 503.
+
|Reset odometer at the well-signed intersection of highways 502 and 503 in Battle Ground.  Go North on highway 503.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|2
 
|2
 
|5.6
 
|5.6
|Turn right on Rock Creek Road.  There's a sign saying "Lucia Falls, Moulton Falls". Rock Creek Road becomes Lucia Falls Road after a while. Follow it 8.6 miles.
+
|Turn right on Rock Creek Road.  There's a sign saying "Lucia Falls, Moulton Falls". Rock Creek Road becomes Lucia Falls Road after a while.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|3
 
|3
 
|14.2
 
|14.2
|Turn right on Sunset Falls Road.  There's a sign saying "Sunset C. G.". (follow it for 2 miles)
+
|Turn right on Sunset Falls Road.  There's a sign saying "Sunset C. G."
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|4
 
|4
|16.2
+
|21.9
|Turn right on Dole Valley Rd (or one that becomes it), over the East Fork Lewis River, and follow this paved road up hill 2.4 miles.
+
|Turn right on Road 41 which goes through Sunset Campground, over the East Fork Lewis River, and then goes left.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|5
 
|5
|18.6
+
|25.3
|Turn left on gravel road L1100. Ignore a couple of right turns (esp. after 2.2 miles) and then a couple on the left and just stay on better road. (follow it for 6.75 miles)
+
|Turn right on Road 4109.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|5
 
|5
|about 25.3
+
|about 26.6
|Turn right on Road 4109. The number was spray-painted on a tree at the junction. Follow this very rocky, very rutted road 2.6 miles to the trailhead. A high clearance vehicle with 4WD/AWD is required.
+
|Turn left at an unmarked 4-way junction, still on Road 4109. At this point a high clearance vehicle with 4WD/AWD is required.
  
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|6
 
|6
|about 27.9
+
|29.5
 
|Silver Star Trailhead.
 
|Silver Star Trailhead.
 
|}
 
|}
  
*Link to a [http://www.hillmap.com/m/ag1zfmhpbGxtYXAtaGRychELEghTYXZlZE1hcBjV34wBDA map with a downloadable GPX track of the road], via Dole Valley Rd. The track is from SR 503/Rock Creek Rd junction, to the trailhead.
+
 
 +
=== Contributors ===
 +
* [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]]

Latest revision as of 18:36, 15 March 2021

The horribly inaccurate sign at this trailhead (Steve Hart)

Contents

Hikes starting here

Fees and Regulations

  • No fee at this trailhead

Driving Directions

There are two approaches to this trailhead. The Dole Valley Road option takes you 6.75 miles on a very good gravel road (L1100), avoiding "pothole alley" above Sunset Campground, so it's generally much better; however, the locals say it may be periodically closed until about July, so do know the Sunset Campground directions — just in case. Forest Service Roads are not plowed, and especially during the winter, conditions can change at any time. It is wise to carry a shovel and saw in case of slides or blowdowns. Check on current conditions before planning a hike.

Both options finish with 2.6 miles on Forest Road 4109, which is extremely rutted and rough, with deep potholes and trenches, and getting worse every year. High clearance is required and 4WD is STRONGLY recommended.

Driving Directions via Dole Valley Rd/L1100 Rd

Go North on I-5 from Vancouver, take exit 11, and take highway 502 5.8 miles to Battle Ground, or take I-205 and then highway 503 from Vancouver to Battle Ground.

Step Odometer Reading Description
1 0.0 Reset odometer at the well-signed intersection of highways 502 and 503 in Battle Ground. Go North on highway 503.
2 5.6 Turn right on Rock Creek Road. There's a sign saying "Lucia Falls, Moulton Falls". Rock Creek Road becomes Lucia Falls Road after a while. Follow it 8.6 miles.
3 14.2 Turn right on Sunset Falls Road. There's a sign saying "Sunset C. G." Follow this road for just 2 miles.
4 16.2 Turn right on Dole Valley Rd (or one that becomes it), over the East Fork Lewis River, and follow this paved road uphill 2.4 miles.
5 18.6 Turn left on gravel road L1100. Ignore a couple of right turns (esp. after 2.2 miles) and then a couple on the left and just stay on the better road. Follow it for 6.75 miles.
5 about 25.3 At an unsigned junction turn right on Road 4109. Follow this very rocky, very rutted road 2.6 miles to the trailhead. A high clearance vehicle with 4WD/AWD is required.
6 about 27.9 Silver Star Trailhead.

Driving Directions via Sunset Campground

Go North on I-5 from Vancouver, take exit 11, and take highway 502 5.8 miles to Battle Ground, or take I-205 and then highway 503 from Vancouver to Battle Ground.

  • Also see the better alternative above. However, this approach road via Sunset Campground is open when not blocked by snow in winter - unlike the Dole Valley Rd. option, which gets periodically closed for logging, etc.
  • Warning: the last 8 miles is on a rough road with potholes, boulders, stream channels, and washboarding. You could get a flat tire, break an axle, or other damage. The last three miles are especially difficult in a standard passenger car.
Step Odometer Reading Description
1 0.0 Reset odometer at the well-signed intersection of highways 502 and 503 in Battle Ground. Go North on highway 503.
2 5.6 Turn right on Rock Creek Road. There's a sign saying "Lucia Falls, Moulton Falls". Rock Creek Road becomes Lucia Falls Road after a while.
3 14.2 Turn right on Sunset Falls Road. There's a sign saying "Sunset C. G."
4 21.9 Turn right on Road 41 which goes through Sunset Campground, over the East Fork Lewis River, and then goes left.
5 25.3 Turn right on Road 4109.
5 about 26.6 Turn left at an unmarked 4-way junction, still on Road 4109. At this point a high clearance vehicle with 4WD/AWD is required.
6 29.5 Silver Star Trailhead.


Contributors

Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Please contact us if you notice errors on this page.

Hiking is a potentially risky activity, and the entire risk for users of this field guide is assumed by the user, and in no event shall Trailkeepers of Oregon be liable for any injury or damages suffered as a result of relying on content in this field guide. All content posted on the field guide becomes the property of Trailkeepers of Oregon, and may not be used without permission.