Silver Star via Ed's Trail with Sturgeon Rock

Activity Notes

We will begin this hike at the Ed's Trail trailhead. Compared to the Grouse Vista trailhead, this adds about 30 minutes to the drive but avoids having to hike the loose, rocky Grouse Vista trail. The road to the trailhead has been improved, but a high-clearance vehicle is still recommended. We'll carpool from the MMC departing at 7 am or you can meet us at the trailhead at 8:30.

This hike covers about 6.7 miles with 1900 feet of elevation gain. 

Ed's Trail is narrow and somewhat exposed in places. After passing through a small natural arch, it has a couple short stretches of scrambling. From OregonHikers.org, "Soon after the arch, the trail climbs a steep muddy section that often requires scrambling on all fours. This section is only about 30 feet high. A second section will certainly require your hands as the trail ascends a 15 foot rocky wall."

Sturgeon Rock is a large basaltic monolith that gets its name from its fin-like appearance when seen from Silver Star. Getting to the top requires going up and down a short but steep and loose section of trail.