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

Join us for an early evening hike up Silver Star mountain! We'll start from the Grouse Vista trailhead (the least terrible of the Silver Star trailheads) and trudge up the Grouse Vista trail to Silver Star trail until we reach the summit of Silver Star. Assuming its a clear night, we'll be rewarded with multi-mountain views! 

This 6.5ish mile hike involves about 2000' of gain on the way up, so while that's not an insane amount of gain, its not nothing, so be prepared to work a little. Once we get to the top, we'll take a break for snacks and dinner, before heading back down. Depending on timing, we may hike back in the dark, so be sure to pack a headlamp.

This hike is pup friendly, but out of respect for other hikers and to avoid complete chaos, we'll be limiting puppers to 4. Please email AYM@mazamas.org to reserve your four legged friend a spot!

For those looking to carpool, we'll meet at Gateway Transit Center at 5:15 PM. Non-carpoolers, meet at Grouse Vista Trailhead by 6:30 PM. More details to come in the pre-hike email. 

Like all AYM events, we welcome the young and young at heart, so please don't be discouraged by the Y in AYM.  

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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