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

Silver Star via Grouse Vista Trail

Steep hike with beautiful views.

  • Start point: Grouse Vista Trailhead
  • Distance: 6.8 miles 
  • Elevation gain: 2040 feet

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Silver_Star_Mountain_via_Grouse_Vista_Hike

Conditioning Hike

Build endurance and ability to hike at a fast, steady pace in variable conditions.  We will stick together as a group.

  • 2.5-3.0 mph is an average pace
  • Uphill pace 1.5 mph
  • Downhill pace 3-3.5 mph
  • Slow pace on terrain needing caution, such as slippery rocks, etc.
  • Hike in 50 minute chunks followed by a 10 minute break, longer lunch break
  • Come prepared to keep this pace but also be able to accept that conditions, terrain, and other factors may require adjusting the pace.

Plan

  • 7:50 Meet at the Gateway Transit Center 
  • 8:00 Carpool to the Grouse Vista Trailhead, stopping if needed
  • 9:20 Arrive at the Grouse Vista Trailhead
  • 9:25 Hike to the summit of Silver Star mountain.  On the descent, take an alternate side trail which reconnects with main trail and passes by Pyramid Rock.  Requires bushwacking.
  • 1:30 Carpool back to Gateway Transit Center.
  • 3:00 Arrive at Gateway Transit Center

Hike Expectations

Carpooling

We will carpool to reduce the environmental impact of our adventure.

  • Drivers: Commit to safe driving practices.  Do not text and drive. Do not drive aggressively.  Obey traffic laws.  
  • Passengers: Contribute the driver's expenses.

 

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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