Information obtained from Oregon Hikers (https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Silver_Star_Mountain_via_Grouse_Vista_Hike)

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.

The Grouse Vista Trail option, from the south, is a little longer and more elevation gain than Silver Star from the north, but the Grouse Vista Trail road is easier. The Bluff Mountain trail is somewhat longer. The Grouse Vista trail 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.

Activity Notes

We will meet at the MMC parking lot. Carpooling is encouraged if folks are comfortable with that. A Discover Pass is required to park at Grouse Vista, they are NOT available at the trailhead. You can purchase one here: https://store.discoverpass.wa.gov/ or at some retail outdoor stores. 

With a main goal of getting to the summit of Silver Star to soak up some great views (and of course returning home safely), we will decide as a group whether to add on one of two options: Indian Pits Trail, or Sturgeon Rock. Either option would add about 1.6 miles to our hike, making the total close to 8 miles.

The return time is an estimate, and will depend on what we end up doing. 

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 70 miles
Driving Time from Portland 1 hours
Distance - Round Trip 6 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Maps CG-C
Awards Qualified Awesome Ridges Award
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