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

This is the fourth hike in a 4-hike series designed and offered to help 2024 BCEP students improve their hiking fitness and get ready for BCEP. This Sunday Series of these hikes is designed for students who will begin their BCEP class after March 16.

Join us for the last hike in a series of BCEP conditioners up to Silver Star Mountain. The weather looks to be great so hopefully we will get fantastic views of the Cascades Peaks. The hike is about 7 miles with around 2100 feet of elevation gain. We will be hiking via the Grouse Vista trail. The trailhead is only about an hour and 15 min from Portland outside of Washougal, Wa. The road is a little rough and parking is limited, so there will be an opportunity to meet at the MMC (remember to not park in the parking lot on Sunday) and carpool. I do not think we need to leave too early for this one either.

Note, for anyone driving a Discover pass is required to part and cannot be purchased at the trailhead. Also the road, gravel road 1200, from the North is closed but should be accessible from the South through Camas. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. 

In addition to your ten essentials please consider brining trekking poles and micro spikes. There is a good chance we will encounter some snow towards the top. Also think about layers. The high in Portland is forecasted to be 70 degrees on Sunday so we may start warm and then cool off as we gain elevation. 

Depending on time, I usually stop for a totally optional lunch and brew after a hike, more details to follow on this and start time as we get closer. 

Please feel free to email me with any questions and I look forward to seeing everyone Sunday!

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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