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

Let's meet in the parking lot of the Mazamas Mountaineering Center at 7AM, organize carpools, and then get the party started. If you are worried about having a ride, call or text me (Forest) at (360)440-9830. The road is well maintained gravel without need for high clearance or 4WD. That said let's carpool as best we can. 

A Discover Pass (Washington State) is needed to park at the trailhead! Get one online here, call (844) 271-7041 Open M-F 8AM-4:30PM to order by phone, or ride with someone who has one. $35/year, $11.50/day. NOTE: If you don't have one, there is no need to purchase one prior to the hike. When we meet at the Mazamas Mountaineering Center, we will determine if we have enough passes, and divide the group into no more than four cars, so as not to overwhelm the trailhead parking. 

For more info on the hike, here is a link from Oregon Hikers, and one from All Trails. If you have any doubts about your ability to make the hike and enjoy yourself, check out the descriptions or contact me (Forest) with questions. 

The "required" gear list is a suggestion. Use your best judgement. Make sure at the very least that you aren't wearing any cotton, have enough snacks, at least two liters of water, are wearing sturdy boots or hiking shoes, bring trekking poles if you've got them, and are prepared for some elevation gain. Definitely bring rain gear tops and bottoms. This is October after all.  If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact me (Forest).

Let's have some fun out there no matter what the weather does. 

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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