Silver Star + Ed's Trail Loop

Activity Notes

Come for the flowers and stay for the views! On a clear day, Silver Star mountain has one of the best 360º views near Portland. Surrounding it, fields of wildflower-covered meadows that sprung after the 1902 Yacolt Burn, the second largest forest fire in Washington history. 

We will start our hike at Grouse Vista trailhead (Washington Discover Pass REQUIRED), which is much more accessible than the jeep-testing Ed's Trail trailhead. We will begin our clockwise loop on Tarbell Trail bypassing Sturgeon Rock and Hidden Falls before reaching Ed's Trail and turning south. This section features one scramble move and a doorway-sized rock arch. Shortly thereafter, we will join the hoards at the summit of Silver Star, take in the views, and finish the loop to Grouse Vista trailhead. If the weather is good and spirits are high, we can visit the ancient stone walls and 6-foot pits appropriately named Indian Pits. This detour would turn a 12-mile, 2,600' hike into a 14-mile, 3,000' hike.